The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII participated in the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Caraga Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) on July 30, 2025 at Robinsons Mall in Butuan City.
Spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga Regional Office, this year’s RSTW carries the theme “Siyensiya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan” and the sub-theme “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities”. The event laid emphasis on the crucial role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in fostering resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities.
At the event, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., delivered the Keynote Message. DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang and DOST Caraga Regional Director Noel M. Ajoc also delivered their respective messages.
A significant highlight of the event was the SETUP 4.0 and Innovation Synergy Ceremony which featured the following initiatives:
• Ceremonial Fund Release for SETUP-Funded Projects
• Awarding of Certificates of Ownership to SETUP Graduated Projects
• SETUP 4.0 Awards
• Ceremonial Turnover of MAPx
• Unveiling of the Food Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Roadmaps with Commitment Signing
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing for the GreenWave Project
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing for Al for Business: Digitalization of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Caraga Region
• Launching of DOSTechTalk
The event also featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the official opening of the RSTW exhibits.
Moreover, the representatives from MGB Regional Office No. XIlI participated in the Smart and Sustainable Communities Forum at Hotel Oazis in the afternoon of that day. Running from July 30 to August 1, the RSTW showcases key regional priorities aligned with the national STl agenda, particularly in the areas of Circular Economy (CE), Smart and Sustainable Communities (SSC) and Artificial Intelligence (Al). These thematic areas reflect the region’s proactive approach to harnessing STI to address current challenges in local industries, promote inclusive development, and empower communities through innovation, research and collaboration.
