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As part of the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) celebration in the Cordillera Administrative Region, the Department of Science and Technology – CAR (DOST-CAR) spearheaded a series of major events on August 8, 2025, held in both Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet. The activities were led by DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., together with DOST executives, regional stakeholders, and media partners.
The day began with an STI Site Visit to Northland Food Products in Baguio City, an adopter of the DOST-FNRI Enhanced Nutribun Technology. The company, assisted by DOST-CAR in 2021 through PSTO-Benguet, launched its “Good Baker” brand featuring squash, carrot, and sweet potato variants of the e-Nutribun. In 2025, it introduced Nutribunnet and Nutricookies, using FNRI’s latest product enhancements. Secretary Solidum lauded the enterprise for supporting the fight against hunger and malnutrition through food innovation.
Following the site visit, DOST-CAR officially launched the DOST-PSTO Baguio-Benguet Innovation Hub (iHUB), strategically located along Governor Pack Road. The iHUB was envisioned as a collaborative space for MSMEs, startups, and academic researchers to access technical support, resources, and S&T-based solutions. Secretary Solidum emphasized the hub’s role in advancing innovation ecosystems and promoting a stronger S&T presence in the region.
A significant highlight of the day was the unveiling of the plaque for the Artificial Groundwater Recharge Facility (AGRF) at the Athletic Bowl in Burnham Park, Baguio City, led by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. Another AGRF site is situated at the Strawberry Farm in Betag, La Trinidad, Benguet, attended by DOST delegates and La Trinidad, Benguet representatives led by its City Mayor, Hon. Roderick C. Awingan. The AGRF is a climate-resilient, science-based solution to recurring challenges in water scarcity, flooding, and extreme weather. It works by injecting clean rainwater into aquifers through recharge wells during the rainy season, boosting groundwater infiltration and storage. This reduces flood risks, minimizes damage to agriculture and infrastructure, and helps secure a steady year-round water supply. The pilot initiative was funded by the DOST, implemented by ERDB–WWRRDEC under the DOST NICER Program, and is monitored by DOST–PCIEERD.
Capping the day’s lineup of activities, DOST inaugurated the Advanced Manufacturing Center – Cordillera (AMCEN-CAR) at Benguet State University. This marked the first AMCEN in the Cordillera and the fifth in the country, providing local industries and institutions with access to equipment, expertise, and research in advanced manufacturing. The launch demonstrated DOST’s commitment to strengthening regional industrial competitiveness through cutting-edge science and technology.
Through these back-to-back events, DOST-CAR showcased how S&T investments and partnerships are creating tangible impacts across sectors. As host of RSTW 2025, the regional office reaffirmed its mission to bridge innovation and inclusive development for the people of the Cordilleras. (NELSON SANTOS)
