DOST-7 to mount the 2025 RSTW on April 23-25 focusing on region’s ‘Blue Economy’

CEBU CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Region 7 is set to mount the 2025 Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week  (RSTW) for Central Visayas on April 23-25 at Ayala Malls Central Bloc and Seda Central Bloc, Cebu City with a variety of events and activities including exhibits, forums, technology showcase, DOST scholars’ Olympiad, STI festival and more, bringing tech-driven solutions to the challenges face by the region’s marine and coastal industries.

“The 2025 RSTW for Central Visayas, hosted by Cebu is set to be the first of its kind in the Philippines this year and it will focus on the blue economy, with the AFOs Foundation's Fish Business Project as a key initiative to improve fisheries income and value chains,” DOST-7 officer-in-charge, Dr. Tristan Abando shared at the RSTW Media Launch on April 3 at a hotel here.

Abando said that the event aims to celebrate and showcase science, technology, and innovation initiatives across the region with the involvement of DOST, PAGASA and the Philippine Science High School, emphasizing the importance of marine safety, technical expertise, and student engagement in science and technology.

Despite its rich marine resources, Central Visayas’ coastal economy faces mounting challenges--declining fish stocks, inefficient supply chains, slow adoption of technology and the growing impact of natural hazards. These threats put coastal livelihoods and marine industries at risk, highlighting the urgent need for science-driven solutions, thus the 2025 RSTW focuses on the Central Visayas’ Blue Economy, Abando added.

What to expect at the RSTW at Ayala Central Bloc, April 23-25

 With the theme "Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan," this year’s RSTW will spark actionable discussions and introduce technologies that will transform the way people manage and maximize marine resources.

According to Abando, this year’s RSTW will provide a platform for collaboration and action that include the launching of the Central Visayas Blue Economy Agenda—Setting the roadmap for sustainability and resilience in the region’s marine-based industries:

 The FISH Visayas Forum—Presenting sustainable incomes for the fisherfolk and MSMEs not only in Fisheries but also in Food-related Value Chains; Technology Showcase or (Tekno Bida), featuring modern innovations designed to improve coastal resource management, aquaculture, and marine-based enterprises.

The Food Value Chain in the Blue Economy Forum – Addressing inefficiencies in production, logistics, and food preservation while exploring advancements in food technology. The Drone Technology Forum examines the role of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in monitoring, disaster response, and urban planning.

The AI and Automation in the Blue Economy, explores how artificial intelligence can optimize agriculture, fisheries, and marine transport.  The Scholars' Olympiad and Techno Salida, showcases the next generation of innovators through competitions and short films highlighting the impact of STI in practical challenges; and lastly the Youth STI Festival engages the next generation of scientists and innovators.

Expected to attend the 3-day RSTW in Cebu are students, MSMEs, industry leaders, LGUs and NGOs, tech community, student journalists, digital content creators and media. (Photos: MBCNewman)