DOST-CALABARZON Conducts its First Regional SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping Training and Immersion in Tanay, Rizal

In an effort to harness locally-driven solutions and foster sustainable development, the Department of Science and Technology – CALABARZON (DOST-CALABARZON) successfully launched its first-ever SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping Training and Immersion on February 18-19, 2025, in Tanay, Rizal. This initiative is part of the broader Grassroots Innovations for Sustainable Development (GRIND) program led by DOST-XI in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

With the theme “Transforming Communities through Sustainable Solutions,” the event brought 30 participants from various sectors, including government agencies, academic institutions, media, and civil society organizations, to document and support grassroots innovations (GIs)  within the Tanay Dumagat/Remontado Ancestral Domain. The primary objective was to identify, map, and assess the needs of local innovators while uncovering practical and sustainable solutions that are deeply rooted in the community’s traditions and environment.

The GRIND program’s overarching goal is to empower marginalized communities by developing and deploying Grassroots Innovations (GIs) that address pressing social and environmental challenges. By tapping into indigenous knowledge and practices, the program aims to help these communities become more resilient. Central to this initiative is the nationwide rollout of SalikLakbay activities, designed to explore locally-driven innovations that contribute to sustainable development.

During the first day, DOST-CALABARZON Regional Director, Ms. Emelita P. Bagsit, emphasized the significance of GRIND and its SalikLakbay activity in empowering the local indigenous communities. DOST-Rizal Provincial Director, Mr. Fernando E. Ablaza. and Tanay Rizal Municipal Mayor, Hon. Rafael Tanjuatco were also present to support the program. Ms. Janice Irene F. Berris, Supervising Science Research Specialist of DOST-CALABARZON discussed the Rationale of the Activity.

Afterwards, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between DOST-CALABARZON and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP Calabarzon) marked the formal partnership for the implementation of the GRIND program in the region. After the signing, key topics including the Introduction of the GRIND Program, SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping Concept, Sharing of SalikLakbay Best Practices were discussed by DOST-XI GRIND National Focal, Ms. Mary Luz B. Advincula and her team. The Tips and Guide on the How to Do Field Observation and Interviews was discussed by Dr. Aristotle P. Carandang, Dean of Philippine Women’s College, while the Cultural Sensitivity was discussed by Ms. Karen Marie R. Gayod of NCIP Rizal Community Service Center.

On the second day, participants were taken on-site to meet with local grassroots innovators, documenting key and other existing GIs in the domain of IP Communities. With 5 categorized GIs namely: Heritage/Food Heirloom Recipes, Artisanal/Endangered Crafts, Ethnobotanicals, GIs addressing Health Hazards, and GIs Addressing Circular Economy, the participants were able to document a total of 13 potential GIs which were highlighted as essential cultural treasures, with their potential to create economic opportunities while preserving indigenous heritage.

The SalikLakbay immersion is set to continue, with the documentation and mapping of additional GIs from the other target communities. The program not only offers critical data on local innovations but also fosters closer collaboration between innovators, government agencies, and the private sector to create tailor-fit Science and Technology (S&T) interventions.

The SalikLakbay activity concluded with a focus group discussion where participants shared their insights and experiences.

Certificates were awarded, recognizing the efforts of all attendees and speakers. Engr. Francisco R. Barquilla III, DOST-CALABARZON Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations, acknowledged all the efforts and closed the program.

As the GRIND program expands, DOST CALABARZON continues to uplift marginalized communities across the region through Science, Technology, and Innovation.