06/05/2026
: ๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ . ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ, ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฉ๐จ๐ฅ๐จ'๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ญ
Batasan, Quezon City โ The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) CALABARZON, led by Regional Director Emelita P. Bagsit, held a highly productive meeting with Congressman Philip Conrad "Dok B**g" M. Acop at the House of Representatives to discuss collaborative science, technology, and innovation (STI) interventions to uplift the communities in the 2nd District of Antipolo, April 29.
During the meeting, Director Bagsit discussed pending commitments made with the late former Congressman Romeo Acop regarding the 21st Century Learning Environment Model (CLEM) at the Antipolo City National Science and Technology High School (ACNSTHS).
Building on this discussion, the DOST team presented a comprehensive slate of science and technology interventions tailored to the needs of the district, including the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), Grants-in-Aid (GIA), Scholarship, STARBOOKS, VISSER, Lab-in-a-Box, and the SAFEWTRS programs.
A primary highlight of the collaborative discussion focused on education and youth empowerment through the expansion of the 21st CLEM and lab-in-a-box initiatives to other high schools across Antipolo.
In the area of sustainability and innovative technology, the two parties explored the deployment of atmospheric water generators. Congressman Acop also shared about ASHER, an innovative technology housed in The Medical City, that uses plasma pyrolysis for improving medical waste processing. Additionally, he expressed interest in the Biotek-M dengue diagnostic kits which are commercialized technology from previous research funded by DOST.
Finally, the meeting highlighted opportunities to advance local industry and agriculture through unique agro-industrial technologies. This includes exploring the conversion of saba banana trunks into banana beer and developing coconut ale. To support these ventures, the group proposed an upcoming benchmarking visit to the banana plantation in the Villa Socorro Farm in Laguna, and also to the Laguna University which houses the Natural Fiber and Textile Innovation Hub.
Joining Director Bagsit during these deliberations were OIC Engr. Mhark Ellgine A. Libao, Mr. R-jay M. Salabao, and Mr. Raphael San Antonio representing the DOST team. Congressman Acop was accompanied by his staff, Mr. Francis M. Javier and Ms. Lyn Ilagan.
Both the DOST and the Office of the Congressman expressed their excitement to push these initiatives forward and deliver science-based solutions directly to the people of Antipolo.