The Department of Science and Technology Region VIII (DOST VIII) continued its celebration of the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) with a series of engaging activities on its second day, highlighting the theme of “Agham na Ramdam”, science that is felt through youth engagement, local enterprise support, and strengthened innovation spaces across Leyte.

One of the key highlights was STEM Connect: Students Meet the Secretary, held at the Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC). Students from different schools across Leyte had the rare opportunity to meet DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., a geologist, former PHIVOLCS Director, and now the country’s “fault-finder.” Hosted by PSHS-EVC Campus Director Ms. Yvonne M. Esperas, the event featured interactive STEM-focused activities such as the DOST-Science Education Institute’s NuLab: STEM in Motion and the Indie Siyensya Film Festival.

In his message, Secretary Solidum encouraged young learners to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to help build a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future. The Department of Education Regional Office VIII (DepEd VIII), represented by Dr. Gertrudes C. Mabutin, expressed its commitment to work with DOST VIII in further strengthening STEM education and nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

Secretary Solidum also led a project visit to the Ice Cream Making Facility at the Palo Livelihood Center, a DOST-assisted initiative that uses science-based food processing technologies to help local producers improve product quality, expand operations, and create sustainable livelihoods. Palo Mayor Hon. Remedios Matin Petilla thanked DOST for its continued support and expressed interest in acquiring additional technologies for the municipality.

Commending Palo’s proactive approach, Secretary Solidum emphasized, “The Local Government Units that are interested and willing to partner with DOST can truly benefit from our assistance. We want leaders who want science and technology.”

Capping the day’s events, the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Leyte inaugurated its newly renovated office building and Innovation Hub (iHub) at the DOST Compound, Government Center, Brgy. Candahug, Palo, Leyte. The iHub is a dedicated collaborative space where students, researchers, startups, industries, and communities can access science, technology, and innovation resources to develop creative solutions and drive local development. With the facility in place, PSTO Leyte is expected to further empower MSMEs, strengthen community-based initiatives, and advance the delivery of STI services across Leyte and the Eastern Visayas region.

The second day of RSTW was graced by DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST VIII Regional Director Dr. John Glenn D. Ocaña, and other officials, reflecting the department’s unified drive of “One DOST 4 U: Solutions and Opportunities for All.” (Nelson Santos)