SorSU Researchers attend the TECH-UP Bicol: Accelerated STI Advancements through R&D Translations, provided research-driven insights in the reverse pitching forum with Sorsogon Province LGUs

In connection to the 2023 Bicol Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week from October 23-25, 2023, SorSU Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Training, University researchers along with students attend the “TECH-UP Bicol: Accelerated STI Advancements through R&D Translations” on October 24, 2023, at the SorSU Audio Visual Hall.

The said activity was part of the weeklong 2023 RSTW Bicol event spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region V. It bannered the theme Siyensya Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: 𝘒𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘨, 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘸𝘢 𝘢𝘵 𝘗𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘨 𝘯𝘢 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘬𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘯.

Among the attendees were Dr. Ryan V. Dio (SorSU Vice President for Research, Extension and Training), Prof. Christine H. Ferolino (Director, Research and Development) and Ms. Sheryl Solano. From Magallanes Campus; Prof. Lynn C. Mendoza,  (SorSU Magallanes Campus Director), Mr. Etepen L. Barliso, Mr. Alvin B. Mayo, Ms. Janet M. Hibay, Ms. Sherlyn B. Cedaña, also, Ms. Mary Ann P. Caro from Castilla Campus and Engr. Jofeth Chavez of the College of Engineering and Architecture Sorsogon City Campus. 

In the first part of the activity “LET’S TECH IT: Understanding the Technology Development Landscape”, several presentations such as “Research in the Lens of Science for Change Program (S4CP) Towards Pagtanaw 2050”, “Protecting your Intellectual Properties”, “Refining Technologies in the Pre-Commercialization Stage”, “Commercialization: Maximizing the Benefits of Technology”, and “Sharing Experiences and Output as Balik Scientist for Functional Food Research” were shared to the audience granting excessive knowledge and perspective in dealing with technology, innovation and knowledge management. Later the “Why Pili Fiesta + Roadshow” (BCAARRD) was followed by a series of forums such as Energy, Industry, and Emerging Technology Forum (BCIEERD) and the Health Forum (PCHRD-IDD).

The next part of the program titled “Let’s TECH IT: Solutions on the Way” is a reverse pitching forum, an activity that aims to bridge partner Local Government Units (LGUs) to participating State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Research and Development Institutions, National Government Agencies, and Private Organizations and to identify and provide science and technology-based innovative solutions to community needs, issues, and problems. Sorsogon Province LGUs from Sorsogon City, Castilla, Magallanes, Barcelona and Juban presented their 5-minute profile and STI/R&D needs. 

Afterwards, a consolidation of results, turning table session, and synthesis of results followed. SorSU attendees took the opportunity to discuss with the LGUs of Sorsogon City, Magallanes and Castilla their solution driven insights and research oriented strategies to aid in future developments on the concerns of each municipality. Particularly in Magallanes, SorSU Magallanes pitched a plausible solution through their food processing technology for the Fisheries Community Losses and Livelihood Enterprise development concerns, for Castilla LGU, the campus also shared ideas to solve the Water Quality Monitoring concern with a plausible research on Physico-chemical parameters/characteristics of water, as well as a research on Solar drying facilities for seaweeds/fishery products. SorSU Sorsogon City Campus through Engr. Chavez also provided inputs to the Flood Warning Device and Pili Sorter concerns of the Sorsogon City LGU and hopes to receive data for further suggestions. 

The event was highly beneficial for Sorsogon State University as it allowed the University to continue actualizing its goals for Research, Extension and Production on STI advancements.