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DOST Launches National Science & Technology Week 2025 with 'Innovation for Sustainable Development' Theme

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 12:56 GMT by The Manila Times

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National Science and Technology Week 2025: A Comprehensive Overview of DOST’s Celebratory Activities

On November 18, 2025, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) kicked off its annual National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) with a series of events that highlighted the Philippines’ growing prowess in research, innovation, and scientific outreach. The week-long celebration—held in cities and campuses across the country—served as a platform for researchers, students, policymakers, and the public to witness the latest breakthroughs and to underscore the vital role of science in national development.

The Theme: “Innovation for Sustainable Development”

DOST’s NSTW 2025 adopted the theme “Innovation for Sustainable Development”, a motif that reflected the department’s commitment to aligning research with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In his opening remarks, DOST Secretary Dr. Luis Gonzales highlighted how the Philippines is harnessing science to tackle pressing challenges such as climate change, food security, and public health. “Science is the engine that drives our progress,” he said, adding that the department would showcase how innovation can be both economically transformative and socially responsible.

Opening Ceremony and Key Speeches

The week’s inaugural ceremony was held at the Philippine Science High School‑Campus in Quezon City, a venue chosen for its symbolic link to the nation’s future scientific talent. Dr. Gonzales delivered a keynote address in which he outlined DOST’s strategic priorities for the year: boosting research capacity, strengthening industry‑research partnerships, and enhancing public engagement. The President of the Philippines, Ferdinand M. Marcos Jr., was invited as a guest speaker, where he praised the “integrated approach to science that DOST is championing” and urged the public to “support science as the nation’s best ally.”

Other notable speakers included Prof. Maria R. Cruz of the University of the Philippines Diliman, who spoke on the potential of AI in disease diagnostics, and Dr. Pedro Santos of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), who emphasized advances in climate‑resilient agriculture.

Highlights of the Week’s Activities

1. National Science and Technology Fair

The core event of the week was the National Science and Technology Fair, held at the Makati Convention Center. Over 200 exhibits showcased innovations ranging from low‑cost water‑purification devices to solar‑powered micro‑grids. Highlighted projects included:

• Solar‑Powered Irrigation System – a student‑driven project that demonstrated how off‑grid farms could achieve higher yields with minimal energy inputs.
• Biodegradable Food Packaging – a start‑up showcased a novel polymer derived from coconut husks, aimed at reducing plastic waste.
• AI‑Based Early Warning System for Drought – a collaboration between DOST‑Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) and a local university that uses satellite imagery and machine learning to predict drought periods.

2. Innovation Competition for Students

DOST’s annual Innovation Competition attracted entries from secondary and tertiary institutions nationwide. A panel of judges—including scientists from DOST and industry leaders—awarded scholarships, grants, and startup incubation opportunities. The top prize went to a team from the Philippine Science High School‑Luzon that developed an affordable, portable CO₂ sensor for indoor air quality monitoring.

3. Public Talks and Science Cafés

Across the country, DOST organized a series of public talks and “science cafés” in partnership with local universities. Topics ranged from “The Role of Nanotechnology in Medicine” to “Harnessing Genomics for Crop Improvement.” These informal sessions were designed to make science approachable, encouraging participants to ask questions and engage in dialogue.

4. STEM Career Expo

In a move aimed at boosting youth participation in science, the STEM Career Expo offered career counseling, internship listings, and hands‑on workshops. Representatives from tech firms such as Palawan Pacific and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) showcased their R&D hubs, while NGOs like the Philippine Red Cross shared opportunities in disaster risk science.

Media Coverage and Video Highlights

One of the most impactful elements of the NSTW 2025 was the video coverage that accompanied each event. A dedicated YouTube channel—linked in the Manila Times article—featured daily recaps, interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes footage. Highlights include:

• A short documentary on DOST’s Clean Energy Initiative, featuring interviews with researchers at the Philippine Institute of Metrology (PIM).
• A live‑streamed panel on the future of precision agriculture, with real‑time audience Q&A.
• Time‑lapse videos of the fair’s setup, giving viewers an immersive experience of the scale of the event.

The Manila Times article also linked to DOST’s official website for a full schedule of events, a list of participating institutions, and an archive of the week’s highlights. Readers could access detailed reports on each project and download the full video collection directly from the DOST portal.

DOST’s Broader Strategic Context

The article provided useful background on DOST’s long‑standing tradition of NSTW, noting that the first week was celebrated in 1994. Since then, each year has built upon the previous one, with a growing emphasis on cross‑disciplinary collaboration and commercialization of research outputs. In its press release, DOST emphasized its commitment to creating a “science ecosystem” that bridges academia, industry, and government—an approach that has already yielded tangible benefits such as the recent adoption of DOST’s molecular diagnostics kits by the Philippine Department of Health.

Takeaways and Forward Look

The Manila Times’ coverage of DOST’s National Science and Technology Week 2025 offers a comprehensive snapshot of the Philippines’ scientific landscape. Key takeaways include:

1. Integration of Research and Policy – DOST’s alignment with national development goals signals a strong partnership between science and governance.
2. Youth Engagement – The Innovation Competition and public talks underscore the department’s focus on nurturing the next generation of scientists.
3. Commercialization and Impact – Highlighted projects emphasize the practical applicability of research, from clean‑energy solutions to AI diagnostics.
4. Open Communication – The extensive use of video and online platforms illustrates DOST’s efforts to reach a broader audience and increase transparency.

By weaving together policy announcements, real‑world demonstrations, and engaging media content, DOST successfully positioned National Science and Technology Week 2025 as a catalyst for continued scientific advancement and public participation in the Philippines.