Science and Technology Celebration in Rizal Highlights Building Smart and Sustainable Communities

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal – The Department of Science and Technology – CALABARZON (DOST-CALABARZON) formally opened the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) 2025 on August 14 at the Ynares Events Center, Antipolo City, with the theme “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities.” The three-day celebration, which runs until August 16, showcases how science, technology, and innovation (STI) can drive inclusive development and strengthen community resilience in the region and beyond.

In her welcome message, DOST-CALABARZON Regional Director Emelita T. Bagsit underscored the importance of collective action, saying, “This is a call not only to dream of a better future but to roll up our sleeves and build it together.”

Antipolo City Vice Mayor Ranady Puno highlighted the role of STI in addressing pressing challenges such as climate change and environmental protection, affirming the city’s commitment to collaborate with the science community in developing meaningful and responsive solutions.

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. expressed gratitude to DOST-CALABARZON, the City Government of Antipolo, and the Provincial Government of Rizal for their support in advancing STI in the region. He emphasized that a smart city is defined not merely by technology but by how it listens and responds to its people. He also reminded that sustainability starts with small but meaningful actions, such as a child learning to grow food in a recycled bottle. “Whatever we do—in governance, education, business, or science—we should lead with purpose, grounded in what our communities really need,” he said.

A highlight of the opening program was the launch of the 56th Innovation Hub (iHub) in the country at the University of Rizal System (URS) – Antipolo Campus. Established through DOST-CALABARZON, the iHub aims to become a center for creativity, industry collaboration, and research in the province. Alongside this, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed for the Regional Design and Creativity Hub for Innovation in MSMEs and Education (RDCHIME), which will offer training and prototyping opportunities in animation, 3D modeling, product packaging, industrial processes, automation, and digital arts. The hub is envisioned to bridge industry needs with academic expertise, positioning PSTO Rizal as a key driver of innovation in the region.

Another milestone was the launch of the 19th 21st Century Learning Environment Model (21st CLEM) at the Antipolo City National Science and Technology High School, in partnership with the Department of Education and the Antipolo LGU. The facility is a future-ready classroom equipped with robotics, 3D printing, augmented/virtual reality, and DOST-developed digital courseware—designed to enhance STEM education and foster critical 21st-century skills among students.

Through exhibits, fora, and interactive activities, this year’s RSTW serves as a platform for collaboration among government, academe, industry, and communities. It highlights that building smart and sustainable communities is not only a vision but an achievable reality when anchored on science, technology, and innovation. (NELSON SANTOS)