‘Agham na Ramdam’ Takes Center Stage in Ilocos Norte as NSTW 2025 Building Smart and Sustainable Communities

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) brings the 2025 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) celebration to the heart of the North as it unfolds in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, on November 18–21, 2025. With the sub-theme “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities,” this year’s NSTW underscores the vital role of science, technology, and innovation in empowering local communities and promoting inclusive development across the country. 

Now on its third provincial conduction, following Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro, the NSTW 2025 marks another milestone in DOST’s commitment to make “Agham na Ramdam”—science that is felt—by every Filipino, wherever they may be. According to DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., during the media kickoff last September 8, 2025, the move to bring NSTW outside Metro Manila reflects the Department’s dedication to making the benefits of research, development and innovation accessible to all. 

Secretary Solidum said that “After Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro, we are bringing NSTW to Ilocos Norte because science and technology must be felt by every Filipino, this is what we call ‘Agham na Ramdam.”  

The annual NSTW serves as a platform to showcase the country’s scientific advancements, research breakthroughs, and technological innovations that drive socio-economic growth and improve quality of life. It also fosters collaboration among government agencies, the academe, industries, entrepreneurs, and local communities, all working together toward sustainable and inclusive progress. 

Building on the successes of previous provincial celebrations that focused on the blue economy (Iloilo) and circular and green economies (Cagayan de Oro), this year’s edition will center on smart and sustainable community development. The celebration will highlight how science and technology can transform cities, towns, and provinces into resilient, digitally connected, and environmentally responsible communities. 

DOST Ilocos Region shared the same vision that communities where technology empowers citizens, promotes sustainable practices, and enhances the quality of life for everyone. The week-long celebration will feature exhibits, technology demonstrations, forums, and competitions that aim to inspire innovation and local adoption of scientific solutions. Events will be held across various venues in Ilocos Norte, including the Centennial Arena in Laoag City, where the opening program will take place on November 18, 2025.

Aligned with the four (4) pillars of DOST—human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability—NSTW 2025 aims to demonstrate how science and technology directly contribute to the nation’s long-term vision for a “Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan” in line with AmBisyon Natin 2040. 

As the country continues to advance its innovation ecosystem, DOST Ilocos Region through the wholehearted initiative of the Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog and the whole DOST Ilocos Region family, invites every Filipino to take part in the celebration. 

Through this year’s NSTW in Ilocos Norte, DOST Ilocos Region reaffirms its core values to bring service first and foremost through meaningful efforts and impact closer to the people—turning innovation into action and building smart, sustainable, and inclusive communities for the future. (ARYAN JOY M. SOLIMAN)