CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-10 will put in spotlight technologies that will support the theme of the Mindanao Food Congress which is ensuring a food-secure future for Mindanao during the National Science and Technology Week alongside Oro Best Expo slated October 26-30, 2022 at Limketkai Atrium.

“We are spotlighting our DOST-developed Carrageenan growth promoter for plants. It has been tested in seven regions in the country which increases the yield of rice from 15 to 30%,” said Engr. Romela Ratilla, DOST 10 Asst. Regional Director.

The carrageenan plant promoter comes from seaweed which is available in Mindanao and it will enhance the growth of plants without the side effect of inorganic fertilizers and it is less costly.

In Talakayan sa PIA at SM CDO Downtown Premier, Engr Ratilla emphasized the need to improve food product quality.

“We are trying to improve our commercial appeal, so we want people to buy it. And we want to improve food safety,” she said.

Engr Ratilla shared that they also want their manufacturers to be given a license to operate and their products be provided with a certificate of product registration because this is the only way that their products can be exported to the international market.

More importantly, DOST-10 wants to value-add.

“We want to develop value-adding from our local products, for example, the cabbage can be manufactured into kimchi. And kimchi is already loved around the world, even by Filipinos,” she said.

For the students and the pupils, a mobile planetarium will be installed which will include virtual stargazing.

“I’m sure everybody would love it,” she said.

There will also be a very special forum for startups and investors to turn concepts into businesses so that they will also be able to provide jobs.

More information on Science and Technology will be featured as well.

The National Science and Technology Week celebration is the strength of the proclamation of 780 signed by President Duterte, stating that the NSTW is celebrated to give attention to the contributions of science and technology in national development. (JMOR/PIA10)