A forum on AI and emerging technologies for small businesses in the food sector kicked off the 2025 Regional Science and Technology Week October 1 in Oroquieta City.
Speakers from the University of Science and Technology of (Southern) Philippines, Central Mindanao University, Bukidnon State University, Mindanao State University – Naawan and DOST’s own Advanced Science and Technology Institute presented new homegrown technologies that were developed in their own respective institutions.
Among these are new innovations in producing kropek enriched with turmeric, banana flour and malunggay-inspired passion fruit concentrate, then transforming all these fruit processing waste into aquafeeds.
Haturiko Network Services, a startup based in Bukidnon, likewise introduced AI solutions for MSMEs to tap.
In her opening remarks, Department of Science and Technology 10 director Romela Ratilla said MSMEs are the center of the RSTW this year.
“They bring innovative products to the market, thereby creating jobs,” Ratilla said.
She noted that MSMEs in Northern Mindanao netted P800 million in sales in 2024 and generated more than 500 new jobs.
Oroquieta City takes the spotlight on October 1 to 3 as it hosts the RSTW at the Bayfront Arena. Organized by DOST 10 in partnership with the provincial government of Misamis Occidental and the city government of Oroquieta, the RSTW is the regional counterpart of the annual celebration of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) as mandated under Presidential Proclamation No. 780 signed in 2019.
This theme this year is Agham at Teknolohiya: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan and sub-theme Building Smart and Sustainable Communities.
The RSTW features a Technology Expo where visitors can explore DOST-developed innovations that offer solutions and opportunities for local industries, enterprises, local government units, students, and people from all walks of life to promote human well-being, foster wealth creation, reinforce wealth protection, and institutionalize sustainability.
Emerging tech for MSMEs introduced at 2025 RSTW
