ILOILO City — Scientists, researchers and innovators hold the key to Western Visayas’ long-term economic growth, as their discoveries and technological breakthroughs can help strengthen industries, improve public services and address pressing regional challenges, according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
DOST Region 6 director Engineer Rowen R. Gelonga emphasized that sustainable economic development depends not merely on traditional resources but on the region’s ability to turn scientific knowledge into practical solutions that generate opportunities and improve lives.
“The prosperity of nations is not built merely on land, labor, natural resources, and capital. More than that, it is built on knowledge, scientific discoveries, technological capabilities, and the capacity to translate these into products, services, and industries that improve people’s lives,” Gelonga said.
Speaking during the 3rd Idlab Awards Ceremony on November 12 at Punta Villa Resort in Arevalo, Iloilo City, Gelonga called for greater recognition of scientists, engineers and innovators as indispensable contributors to nation-building.
He said their contributions often go unnoticed compared with those of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), healthcare frontliners, educators and disaster responders, who are traditionally celebrated as modern-day heroes.
“They are considered as our modern-day heroes—and rightfully so, because their sacrifices, hard work, and dedication have sustained us collectively as one people during so many difficult times,” he stressed.
However, Gelonga said those working behind the scenes in laboratories, universities and research institutions deserve equal recognition for shaping the country’s future.
“We often forget that our scientists, researchers, engineers, and innovators are definitely and equally deserving of this recognition,” he said.
“While our various workers help sustain our economy, our scientists and engineers help build its future,” he added.
Gelonga underscored the practical contributions of scientific research to Western Visayas, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental protection and industrial competitiveness.
“They develop technologies that make industries more competitive. They discover solutions to our many health problems. They improve agricultural productivity. They strengthen our infrastructure, and they help address environmental challenges, among many others,” he explained.
He said recognizing scientific achievements should go beyond honoring intellectual excellence and instead highlight their contributions to economic and social development.
“This is why it is only fitting to recognize the researchers and innovators who are doing this important work—not only for their creativity, ingenuity, and intellectual achievements, but more so for their commitment to the social and economic growth and development of Western Visayas,” Gelonga said.
The Regional Research, Development and Innovation Committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC-6), together with DOST-6, honored seven outstanding researchers and innovators during the ceremony.
In the Basic Research Category, Merit Awards went to Dr. Christopher Marlowe A. Caipang of the University of the Philippines Visayas for Biological Sciences; Dr. John Erwin P. Pedroso of West Visayas State University for Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, International Policies and Governance; and Dr. Ryan Michael F. Oducado, also of WVSU, for Medical, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Dr. Noel Peter B. Tan, director of the Center for Advanced New Materials Engineering and Emerging Technologies of the University of San Agustin, received the Merit Award in the Applied Research Category for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technologies.
In the Independent Innovator Category, Dr. Janet V. Ledesma of Capiz State University received a Merit Award, while Dr. Mary Rose Gemma S. Rodriguez of Advance Central College earned the Idlab Silver Award.
Sheenlou Eian M. Bartolome of West Visayas State University received the Idlab Gold Award.
Derived from the Hiligaynon word idlab meaning “spark,” the awards recognize homegrown scientific discoveries and innovations contributing to regional development.
DOST-6 said the recognition underscores the importance of harnessing local scientific talent to build a more competitive, resilient and sustainable Western Visayas./PN