STA. CRUZ, Laguna (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Calabarzon is seeking to empower community leaders and local innovators in forming science-based solutions to address community problems through a grassroots-focused program.
The Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) Program is an ongoing initiative of the DOST designed to empower marginalized communities by identifying, mapping, and strengthening grassroots innovations.
DOST Regional Director Emelita Bagsit emphasized the significance of the program in fostering inclusive and sustainable growth at the community level, noting that it serves as a platform to uncover, support, and scale up local innovations rooted in the daily lives and practices of grassroots communities.
“Normally, when there are innovations, we are the ones who bring innovation to people, this GRIND, we are the ones who approach people to discover the innovations and it is not really about changing because it is grassroots but more about how can science improve and maybe if there are cultural dimensions, how can we preserve that and ensure that it continues from generation to generation,” Bagsit said.
A key component of GRIND is the SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping, a research activity conducted across all DOST regional offices to explore indigenous knowledge, community-based innovations, and practical solutions addressing local challenges.
During the immersion in Laguna on April 7, participants from various sectors, including youth groups, educators, businesses, national government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations (NGOs), indigenous communities, and media, including the Philippine Information Agency, were brought together to integrate all their efforts to a holistic and science-based approach to tackle challenges.
Training participants visited Cavinti, a town known for its sambalilo or woven pandan hats, to map and identify grassroots innovations being practiced by local pandan weavers. The activity is a crucial step toward preserving traditional crafts while exploring ways to modernize and improve livelihood opportunities for local artisans.
Among the participants was Jemilyn Blaza, a pandan weaver from Laguna and vice president of Cavinti Weavers Agriculture Cooperative, who expressed hope that the DOST’s initiative will uplift traditional industries like hers.
“I hope this program helps broaden our knowledge, and that you can support us in expanding our cooperative. That way, we can also extend help to others in our community,” she said.
The SalikLakbay immersion is set to be rolled-out in other provinces across Calabarzon within the year to document and map additional grassroots innovations. (AM,CH/PIA-4A)
