2025 NSTW Media Kickoff: DOST Region 1 to Host Milestone Celebration in November

The Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST Region 1), in partnership with the DOST–Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST–STII), officially held the 2025 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) Media Kickoff on September 8, 2025, at Harolds Hotel, Quezon City.

The event was graced by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., alongside Undersecretaries Maridon O. Sahagun, Leah J. Buendia, and Sancho A. Mabborang; Assistant Secretaries Maria Theresa De Guzman and Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr.; and DOST Region 1 Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog.

This year’s NSTW is set on November 18–21, 2025, in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, marking the first time that DOST Region 1 will host this national milestone celebration.

In his message, Secretary Solidum emphasized the department’s thrust of “Agham na Ramdam”—ensuring that the benefits of science, technology, and innovation (STI) are genuinely experienced by local communities. “We want science to be felt at the local level by our kababayans. This is what we call Agham na Ramdam. We are not only showcasing locally developed technologies and outputs; we are also opening doors for their transfer, adoption, and integration into everyday life,” he said.

With the theme “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities,” NSTW 2025 seeks to raise public awareness and appreciation of STI, highlight its role in driving socio-economic growth, and recognize the valuable contributions of Filipino scientists, researchers, and innovators.

The kickoff was attended by the DOST OneSTIGlat family led by Dir. Teresita A. Tabaog, together with DOST–Ilocos Sur Provincial Director Jordan L. Abad, DOST–Ilocos Norte Provincial Director Brian U. Rasco, Regional S&T Promotion Program Center Head Carla Joyce B. Cajala, and Mr. Lemuel Castigo. Special numbers were also presented by Mr. Edrussell Castillo, Ms. Monette Vicente, and Mr. Nikko Ofo-ob.

DOST Region 1 reaffirms its commitment to harnessing STI to build resilient, environmentally responsible, digitally connected, and economically vibrant communities.