MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is advancing its commitment to sustainability through the Science, Technology, and Innovation for Circular Economy (STI4CE) initiative.
This strategic framework addresses environmental challenges while fostering economic opportunities by integrating innovation into sustainability practices.
“The STI4CE initiative is designed to integrate science, technology, and innovation into the transition towards a circular, green, and sustainable economy. This framework outlines key goals, such as catalyzing innovation, empowering stakeholders, fostering sustainability leadership, and promoting transformative solutions while embedding circular economy practices,” said DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr.
The initiative revolves around four core segments: Think Green, Make Green, Turn Green, and Keep Green, forming the foundation of its strategies toward a green economy.
Think Green focuses on raising awareness, fostering education, and promoting strategic planning for circular economy practices. It challenges stakeholders to rethink existing consumption and production systems. Make Green drives cleaner production, sustainable processes, and the development of innovative technologies to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. Turn Green accelerates the transfer and commercialization of eco-friendly solutions, ensuring these innovations are adopted and scaled across industries. Finally, Keep Green secures the initiative’s long-term impact through enduring partnerships, strategic actions, and continuous improvements, expanding the reach and sustainability of circular economy practices.
Under the STI4CE framework, DOST has launched 53 innovative research and development projects tackling plastic waste and promoting sustainable industries. Key initiatives include:
- Biodegradable Alternatives:Developing polymers from plant-based oils and cassava starch to create compostable, eco-friendly solutions for plastic pollution.
- Recycling Innovations:Improving recycled plastics’ mechanical properties with advanced radiation technologies, including the Post-radiation Reactive Extrusion of Plastic Waste (PREx Plastic) project.
- Sustainable Construction Materials:Producing eco-cement and lightweight composites from agro-industrial waste and Pulangui reservoir sediments to cut CO2 emissions in construction.
- Citizen Science Initiatives:Engaging the public through the PlastiZen project to collect marine litter data and support the National Plan of Action for Marine Litter.
“With a total investment of P1.3 billion, we have developed the STI4CE Roadmap to guide our strategies. By 2028, we envision DOST as a leader in providing innovative S&T solutions and fostering opportunities for a circular, green, smart, and sustainable future. It includes establishing STI4CE centers and innovation hubs to strengthen the country’s recycling infrastructure and waste management facilities,” Solidum explained.
As DOST moves forward in realizing a circular economy, it calls for the cooperation of industries, policymakers, and the public. The agency invites collaboration through its Call for Proposals, which offers funding for research and business ventures. By working together, DOST believes the circular economy can become a reality, creating a sustainable future for all. (JAKA/PIA-10)
