DOST-NCR’s 4-day S&T exhibit opens in Manila

Ria Fernandez, Manila Bulletin

The Department of Science and Technology-National Capital Region (DOST-NCR) opened Wednesday its Regional Science and Technology Fair and Exhibits for the Pasay, Makati, Manila, and Quezon City (PAMAMAZON) cluster with the City of Manila as venue host.

With a theme “Science for the people 2018: Innovation for collective prosperity”, the four-day event at the Universidad de Manila in Ermita, Manila showcased a science laboratory on wheels, an interactive science museum, and Manila disaster office’s equipment, among others.

There was also techno bazaar with over 15 exhibitors showcasing the products they developed with the help of DOST.

The e-firecracker invented by Popoy Pagayon was among the several innovations displayed.

Padayon said the idea of making such device came when President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the ban on firecrackers.

In just a short span, he has created a number of models sounding like real firecrackers namely “Digong”, “Trump”, “Trililing”, “Boy”, “Bato”, and “Mocha”. The price ranges from P1800 – P9000.

“Yearly magagamit mo nang paulit-ulit kaya mas nakakamura ka. (Kaysa) bibili ka ng Judas belt pagputok ba-bye na. Nagkalat ka pa. Mausok. Aksidente pa [You can use these yearly that’s why you’ll be able to spend less. Unlike if you buy a Judas belt, once it explodes, it’s gone. You also littered. It’s smoky. Plus, accident-prone.]” said Padayon, who is also the president of Filipino Inventors Society Producer Cooperative.

The DOST aims to encourage more Filipinos to become innovators and inventors like Padayon by offering several interventions.

One of those is the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading (SETUP) program.

The SETUP package includes technical assistance and loan for equipment upgrade.

It basically targets to aid micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with three years operations.

Those interested only need to submit a letter of intent to the DOST regional office covering their place of business.

“We target local manufacturers…to improve the quality of Filipino product,” said Lota Paras, PAMAMAZON cluster manager of DOST-NCR.