MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur—The mapping of science and technology intervention and innovation for BARMM’s grassroots communities has started, following the turnover of the Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) Program's Manual during the activity, February 13–14, in Cotabato City.

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) received the program's manual from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-XI) during the two-day activity dubbed "SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping Trainer's Training and Immersion."

The SalikLakbay is a collaborative journey of solution mapping in grassroots communities across the country. It is a combination of two Filipino words: Saliksik, which means "to explore or research," and Lakbay, which means "to go on a trip."

According to MOST Minister Engr. Aida Silongan, the GRIND Program is not just about providing technological solutions but also about empowering communities to drive their own development.

"Last December 2022, the MOST, as the implementing agency, signed a tripartite MOA with DOST and the National Research Council of the Philippines for the project Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND), bringing science and technology closer to the margins," Silongan said.

"By working together, we can help support the innovative ideas of the communities and bring them to the market, providing them with the tools they need to achieve economic stability and growth," she added.

The Minister added that through these partnerships, the government of the day can work together to support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the Philippine Development Plan, the Bangsamoro Development Plan, the Chief Minister’s 12-Point Priority Agenda, and the Philippine Innovation Act.

Meanwhile, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations USec. Sancho Mabborang, in a virtual message, said, "We have identified this program as part of our endeavor toward secure technologies so that we can achieve the new direction of our regional operation and sustainable communities."

Also present at the event was GRIND Ambassador Kyle Douglas Jennermann, a.k.a. "Kulas," a Canadian vlogger known for his "Becoming Filipino" Youtube channel.

"It is very exciting for me to see the diversity, unique knowledge, and diverse experience of the people outside and inside the BARMM. Together, we bridge the gap into empowering people to see the positive innovations that the communities are doing here in BARMM," Jennermann shared.

Dir. Diane Maharjan, executive director of the National Innovation Council Secretariat, NEDA; Dr. Anthony Sales, regional director of DOST-11; Dr. Kenneth Barroga, assistant regional director of DOST-11; and Dir. Nasrudin Buisan, director of II-Research and Development Services, were also present at the event. (BIO/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)