SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — Fun and exciting activities await participants in the 2024 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) celebration happening in this province on August 22-24.
From a sit-down with real-life scientists to a wide array of exhibits, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office 6 has prepared different activities for this year’s RSTW celebration at the University of Antique (UA) in Sibalom town.
In a press briefing, DOST-6 Regional Director Rowen Gelonga expressed excitement over the conduct of the RSTW in Antique for the first time in over 20 years, fulfilling the vision of Secretary Renato Solidum of bringing science closer to the grassroots.
“We are really very excited that we are having it [RSTW] here [in Antique] this year. This RSTW is where we intend to reach out to our stakeholders. We want to show you [the public] what has been going on in the science, technology, and innovation community,” said Gelonga.
DOST-6 and the Antique Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) have prepared plenary sessions, such as the Youth Explorers of Science or YES! where high school students can enjoy interactive games, science experiments, and engaging STI talks.
Scientists from the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Philippines will also be coming to Antique for a dialogue with professionals and researchers to inspire and encourage them to conduct more research toward community development.
NAST scientists will then join the youth in a “ScienTeach” symposium where careers in science and technology will be promoted among students, highlighting the crucial role of engineers, mathematicians, doctors, and other S&T professionals in society.
Fifty college students from different universities will also compete in the region’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hackathon, intended to find solutions to real-world problems through AI technologies.
Further, via Hop on, Hop Off vehicles, participants and visitors to the 2024 RSTW may enjoy a guided tour to various STI facilities within UA, such as the Pottery Center, TechnoHub, Centralized Analytical Testing Laboratory (CATL), and the Bamboo Innovation Center.
Highlighting Antique’s thriving blue and green economy and DOST’s efforts to build sustainable communities, DOST Antique Provincial Director Eleazer Salvador Moscoso said the 2024 RSTW’s centerpiece is the “Bugana Exhibit”, which will showcase the host province’s rich biodiversity and innovations toward sustainable infrastructure and digital governance.
With all these exciting activities lined up, DOST and UA officials invite the public to join in the 2024 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) celebration, as well as support the STI ecosystem in the country.(AGP/BPS/PIA Antique)
