The 2023 National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Week celebration hosted by the Visayas regions that opened in Iloilo City on Wednesday highlighted the importance of strengthening the blue economy in pushing for the development of the Philippines.

The blue economy is one of the key operational areas in the “Pagtanaw 2050,” a 30-year Philippine Foresight on STI and strategic plans to harness science and technology as tools towards innovations in products, processes, and organizations to attain a preferred and united future.

Science and Technology Regional Director for Western Visayas Engr. Rowen Gelonga, in a press conference at the sidelines of the opening ceremony, said Visayas region is one of the biggest producers of fishery products in the country, and its tourism sector is one of the most important components of the economy with various beaches found in the three regions, and significance of marine transportation.

“We would like to invite everybody to take a look at the critical importance of the blue economy not only for the Visayas regions but for the entire country. Remember, for every square meter of land that we have, we have seven square meters of marine water. That is how important the blue economy is to the Philippines,” he said.

Gelonga said they will be coming up with a program focusing on the blue economy in Visayas by reaching out to research and development institutions and come up with a unified agenda, have a special focus under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading, and build human capability to have a pool of experts to address technological challenges.

Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., in the same press conference, said while there are landward research and development interventions, the seaboard side must also be looked into to bring in more economic development.

Earlier at the opening program held at the Iloilo Convention Center in Mandurriao district, Solidum said the Philippines is “teeming with rich marine resources that contribute to employment generation, enhancing business economy, nurturing our diverse cultural heritage and traditions, and promoting inclusive growth in the regions.”

Meantime, the five-day event held for the first time outside of Manila has a series of informative and interactive activities, including exhibits, technology demonstrations, a forum, and other events showcasing the research and innovation community in Western Visayas and other parts of the country.

The activities are spread in four venues, including the National Museum for the Hinabul focused on natural fibers and textiles; the Lawud exhibit inside the maritime training ship of the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University showcasing marine biodiversity, conservation efforts, and the latest maritime technology, and interactive displays; Tek-Tienda Product Bazar for the DOST-assisted delicacies; and the main S&T exhibit at the ICC.

There will also be a techno-tour where selected guests can visit the facility on Drug Discovery and Development at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City, the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center at the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), and Center for Mollusk and the Philippine Genome Center at the University of the Philippines Visayas, all in Miagao.

The Philippine Science High School Western Visayas will also have an open house for the public to take a look at their laboratories and talk to their students and faculty.

Gelonga earlier said it is a “refreshing way of showing to the public the gains of the science and technology community.”

“It is also an opportunity for us in Iloilo and Western Visayas to show what we have been accomplishing in terms of the science and technology efforts we are having here,” he said. (PNA)