DOST One GRIND

𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦: 𝐆𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 ‘𝑨𝒈𝒉𝒂𝒎 𝒏𝒂 𝑹𝒂𝒎𝒅𝒂𝒎’ 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐖

The Grassroots Innovation and Circular Economy (GICE) Expo 2025, held during the 2025 National Science, Technology and Innovation Week (NSTW), brought together innovators, advocates, and community leaders to celebrate homegrown solutions shaped by lived experiences and indigenous knowledge. Hosted at the MMSU–Batac Campus, the expo highlighted how innovation thrives not only in laboratories but also in farms, coastal communities, workshops, and everyday community spaces.

Central to the expo was the recognition that grassroots innovation—tools, technologies, and systems built from local needs—offers practical and sustainable responses to community challenges. These innovations often come from Indigenous Peoples, farmers, artisans, youth, small entrepreneurs, and underserved sectors. Through the Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) Program, the DOST strengthens support for these groups, positioning community ingenuity as a driver of resilience and inclusive growth. DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. emphasized that true innovation must be felt by businesses, communities, and everyday Filipinos—reflecting the spirit of Agham na Ramdam.

The expo featured 12 grassroots innovations, and 11 circular economy exhibits from across the country, showcasing indigenous technologies, sustainable livelihood tools, upcycled products, and community-designed systems addressing waste management, food security, energy access, and environmental protection. The most outstanding entries were later awarded as the Top 3 innovators in each category, highlighting the growing recognition of community-led solutions and their potential for wider adoption.

The DOST’s ongoing mission to build a more inclusive, collaborative, and people-centered innovation ecosystem continues. By elevating community ingenuity, strengthening grassroots innovations, and promoting circular economy practices, the department reinforces its vision of progress that is shared, sustainable, and deeply felt across communities—empowering Filipinos to shape a smarter, more resilient future together.

𝑫𝑶𝑺𝑻 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏 1 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔 𝑺𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒌𝑳𝒂𝒌𝒃𝒂𝒚 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒔 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝒂 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒏

𝐵𝑦: 𝑅𝑖𝑜 𝐷𝑦𝑎𝑛 𝐵. 𝐴𝑑𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑜

The Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST Region 1), through the Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) Program, successfully conducted the SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping Trainers’ Training and Immersion from September 15 to 17, 2025 in the province of La Union. The three-day event brought together grassroots innovators, local stakeholders, academic partners, and members of the Grassroots Innovation Technical Evaluation Committee (GITEC) to identify and support community-driven solutions rooted in local knowledge, practices, and resources.

On September 15, training and orientation sessions were conducted in San Fernando City, La Union. The program began with welcome remarks from Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, Regional Director of DOST-I. Mr. John Rey E. Viernes from the NCIP delivered the opening session on cultural awareness and sensitivity. This was followed by an introduction to the GRIND Program, along with presentations on the SalikLakbay Philosophy and the Solutions Mapping methodology by Ms. Michaela Adrienne B. Canicula of DOST-NCR. These sessions provided participants with foundational knowledge and practical tools to identify community-based innovations aligned with GRIND’s key focus areas: heritage foods, endangered crafts, ethnobotanicals, grassroots health solutions, and the circular economy.

On the following day, participants were deployed to the municipalities of San Gabriel, ggbBagulin, and Bacnotan for the immersion phase.

• In San Gabriel, the team engaged with local communities to document traditional practices such as the use of medicinal plants, indigenous fishing techniques, and resource-based applications. Partners from LGU San Gabriel, barangay officials, and members of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) actively joined the activity.
• In Bagulin, the immersion highlighted community knowledge and traditions in food, crafts, and ethnobotanicals. Showcased were Kilawen a Galyang (heritage food), Kittoy a Kaykay (indigenous crafts), and medicinal plants like Tagumbaw. The event was supported by LGU Bagulin officials and DOST Region 1 staff, demonstrating strong collaboration for grassroots empowerment.
• In Bacnotan, the team documented community enterprises and local products such as turmeric and cacao farming, patupat making, binagkal production, and beekeeping. They also interviewed duck farmers engaged in innovative duck-based products. These encounters highlighted how grassroots ingenuity sustains livelihoods while offering opportunities for scaling with STI support.

Through these immersions, the SalikLakbay teams witnessed firsthand the resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness of local innovators in addressing daily challenges and enhancing community well-being.

The last day of the three-day event centered on solution design workshops, focus group discussions, and output presentations. Participants consolidated findings from the field immersions and worked collaboratively to propose ways of enhancing, scaling, and supporting identified grassroots innovations. Outputs included documented cases of heritage food preservation, sustainable farming practices, and community-based enterprises with strong potential for replication in other areas.

The closing program was led by Mr. Decth-1180 P. Libunao, Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Field Operation Services (FOS) and GRIND Project Leader, who emphasized the importance of continuous collaboration among communities, local governments, academic institutions, and national agencies in sustaining grassroots innovation.
The SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping Trainers’ Training and Immersion demonstrated DOST Region 1’s commitment to ensuring that science, technology, and innovation (STI) remain inclusive, community-driven, and culturally rooted. By equipping grassroots innovators and stakeholders with knowledge and tools, the program paves the way for sustainable solutions that honor traditional practices while addressing modern challenges.

Through the GRIND Program, DOST continues to highlight and uplift local innovators especially Indigenous Peoples, women, farmers, fisherfolk, and artisans, ensuring that their ingenuity contributes to inclusive development and resilient communities in Region 1 and beyond.

: Traditionally woven products and artisanal salt from Ilocos Norte towns are set to receive a boost from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) this year through the Grassroots Innovations for Inclusive Development (GRIND) program.

Full story: https://pia.gov.ph/local-innovations-in-ilocos-norte-to-get-tech-marketing-boost-from-dost/

TODAY: As part of its efforts to support grassroots innovations, DOST Region 1, under the Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) Program, visited the community of San Jacinto, Pangasinan, to identify and assess local innovations. The activity was led by Mr. Decth-1180 P. Libunao, ARD for Field Operations and GRIND Project Leader, together with Engr. Arnold C. Santos, Provincial Director of DOST-Pangasinan. The GRIND initiative aims to empower marginalized communities by identifying and enhancing innovations that reflect the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people.

During the visit, community members showcased their traditional method of making lubid (rope) using buri leaves and talahib, a practice passed down through generations. The DOST Region 1 team assessed the process for its potential to be developed further through science and technology interventions, with the goal of transforming this indigenous craft into a more sustainable and market-ready livelihood opportunity.

Fueling Innovation, the DOST GRIND Experience!

Tara na’t samahan kami ngayong Abril 10, 2025, mula 10:00 AM hanggang 11:00 AM sa isa na namang makabuluhang episode ng Tekno PreSyensya!

Tatalakayin natin ang programang Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) na idinisenyo upang tugunan ang pangangailangan para sa mga sustainable solutions mula mismo sa komunidad, na nagpapalakas sa kakayahan ng mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan.

Ating makakasama sina Mr. Decth-1180 P. Libunao, ARD for Field Operations Services ng DOST Region 1, at Ms. Rio Dyan Adviento, Project Staff ng DOST Region 1 GRIND, upang ipaliwanag kung ano ang GRIND Program, ang mga layunin nito, at kung paano ito nakatutulong sa mga komunidad gamit ang agham, teknolohiya, at inobasyon.

May pa-Trivia Question of the Day din tayo kung saan pwede kang manalo ng GCash prize! Huwag palalampasin—live din tayo dito sa official page ng DOST Region 1 at sa Radyo Pilipinas Agoo.

Kita-kits, mga ka-Agham!

Fueling Innovation, the DOST GRIND Experience!

Tara na’t samahan kami ngayong Abril 10, 2025, mula 10:00 AM hanggang 11:00 AM sa isa na namang makabuluhang episode ng Tekno PreSyensya!

Tatalakayin natin ang programang Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) na idinisenyo upang tugunan ang pangangailangan para sa mga sustainable solutions mula mismo sa komunidad, na nagpapalakas sa kakayahan ng mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan.

Ating makakasama sina Mr. Decth-1180 P. Libunao, ARD for Field Operations Services ng DOST Region 1, at Ms. Rio Dyan Adviento, Project Staff ng DOST Region 1 GRIND, upang ipaliwanag kung ano ang GRIND Program, ang mga layunin nito, at kung paano ito nakatutulong sa mga komunidad gamit ang agham, teknolohiya, at inobasyon.

May pa-Trivia Question of the Day din tayo kung saan pwede kang manalo ng GCash prize! Huwag palalampasin—live din tayo dito sa official page ng DOST Region 1 at sa Radyo Pilipinas Agoo.

Kita-kits, mga ka-Agham!

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐛𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞
By: Rio Dyan B. Adviento & Lemuel G. Castigo

The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. 1 (DOST Region 1), through the Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) Program, successfully conducted the SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping Training and Immersion on March 26-28, 2025, in Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU)-Batac City, Nueva Era, and Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte. This initiative aimed to empower local innovators and marginalized communities by equipping them with essential skills to develop sustainable, science-driven solutions.

The activity was attended by DOST Region 1 Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, former Regional Director Armando Q. Ganal, GRIND Project Leader and ARD for Field Operations Decth-1180 P. Libunao, DOST-Ilocos Norte OIC-Provincial Director Benjamin S. Mercado Jr., the DOST-Ilocos Norte Team (DOST-IN), GRIND Support Staff, Rio Dyan B. Adviento, and the DOSTOneGRIND Core Group. Their presence underscored the agency's commitment to promoting innovation and inclusive development at the grassroots level.

The training brought together participants from the GRIND Core Group, GITEC, and local communities, including Nueva Era’s Tinguian basket weavers, Pasuquin farmers, fisherfolk, and salt-makers association. These groups are key to preserving traditional knowledge while using modern science to improve their livelihoods. They learned solutions mapping methods to identify and improve innovations in their communities, focusing on heritage foods, endangered crafts, and grassroots innovations for the circular economy. The training aimed to create sustainable, scalable, community-driven solutions through Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).

On the first day of the training, Dr. Tabaog welcomed participants and emphasized the significance of the program in promoting regional development. Mr. Decth-1180 P. Libunao, provided the rationale for the activity, followed by a message from Dr. Anthony C. Sales, Regional Director of DOST Region XI. The introduction of Resource Persons (RPs), including the acknowledgment of participants, was led by Mr. Kent Jerico Ramil, Science Research Specialist II of DOST-IN. Ms. Althea G. Rojo, RP from DOST-XI, gave a brief introduction to the GRIND Program, outlining its core objectives and goals. This was followed by Ms. Cathleen P. Montano, also from DOST-XI, who presented the SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping Concept and provided an overview of its application in the region. Dr. Lily Ann D. Lando, a freelance consultant, shared valuable insights on field research and techniques for conducting field observations and interviews. In the afternoon, Mr. John Rey E. Viernes, Nurse II from the Technical Management Service Division of NCIP I, led a session on cultural awareness and sensitivity, emphasizing the importance of understanding the cultural dynamics of the communities involved in the program. An orientation on the SalikLakbay Mobile Application and Website was also conducted by Ms. Rojo, where participants learned how to navigate and effectively use the platform for field operations. The event concluded with a sharing of best practices by Ms. Montano, followed by closing remarks from Ms. Ginee R. Tacasa, Science Research Analyst. The day ended with a photo opportunity to commemorate the success of the event.

A key feature of the training was its emphasis on collaboration among stakeholders. Experts from various fields guided participants in co-developing strategies to address pressing socio-economic challenges. Furthermore, the program highlighted the importance of gender inclusivity, recognizing the vital role of women in innovation and entrepreneurship. Special platforms were provided to encourage their leadership and active participation in community-driven development projects.

The immersion component on the 2nd and 3rd day allowed participants to engage directly with local communities, providing an experience in applying learned concepts and refining their solutions. By promoting real-world application, the program ensured that these innovations were relevant, practical, and beneficial to the target communities.

Through the SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping Training and Immersion, DOST Region 1 sought to bridge the gap between grassroots innovators and formal innovation systems. By equipping local communities with the necessary tools and knowledge, the program aimed to enhance resilience, economic opportunities, and environmental sustainability in Ilocos Norte and the entire Region 1.