The 2025 Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) celebration, hosted at the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP), marked a significant leap forward in empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and local governments through targeted science, technology, and innovation (STI) initiatives. The event, held under the theme of collaborative advancement, featured the formal turnover of two major projects developed by the Department of Science and Technology – National Capital Region (DOST-NCR) and its partners.
The celebration highlighted the unwavering partnership between DOST-NCR, host institution TIP, and various stakeholders, whose support was credited for the event’s success. Officials including Secretary Renata Osorio, Jr., Undersecretary Sancho Mambola, and TIP President Mr. Andi Mola-Ramos were recognized for their pivotal roles.
ADAPT Tool: A Digital Compass for MSMEs
A centerpiece of the event was the launch and turnover of the TIP ADAPT (Assessment of Digital Adoption and Preparedness Tool) manual. This project, a collaboration between DOST-NCR and TIP, addresses a critical need in the fast-evolving digital economy. Many local MSMEs often struggle with knowing where to begin their digital transformation journey.
The ADAPT tool provides a science-based, locally-contextualized framework to measure an enterprise’s digital readiness level. It comes in two complementary versions:
- A Self-Assessment Tool for MSME decision-makers to internally evaluate their current digital capabilities and identify gaps.
- An Assessor’s Tool for DOST-NCR personnel to conduct standardized external evaluations.
Validated for a five-year period, the tool is designed to help MSMEs understand their positioning relative to Industry 4.0 practices. By using the ADAPT tool, businesses can undertake a structured, step-by-step process to enhance their technological readiness, improve productivity, and ultimately build a more competitive digital foundation.
The manual was formally received by project leads TIP President Mr. Angelo Q. Lahoz, Dr. Therese A. Landrino, and Dr. Alonica R. Villanueva, Research Manager, Technocore and Project Leader, DOST-NCR expressed hope that this resource would become an invaluable asset for MSMEs navigating the modern business landscape.
Roadmaps for Smart and Sustainable Cities
Shifting focus from enterprise to governance, the event also celebrated the turnover of Smart City Roadmaps for Pasig City and Caloocan City. This milestone is a product of the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, a collaboration between DOST-NCR and OLG News under the “Innovation, Science, and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology Phase Development” initiative.
These roadmaps are designed to guide evidence-based planning and strategic investment in sustainable urban development. They aim to deploy science and technology-based solutions to tackle urban challenges, fostering communities that are not only smarter through technology but also sustainable in their long-term growth.
A Celebration of Collaborative Innovation
The RSTW 2025 event underscored the critical message that “sustainability never builds alone” and that art, research, and community must walk side by side. It honored the contributions of local artisans, innovators, and institutional partners like the Filbic Foodware Federation Incorporated and the D.O.S. Filbic Exide Research Institute.
From empowering individual businesses with the ADAPT tool to guiding entire cities with strategic roadmaps, the initiatives launched at RSTW 2025 reflect a comprehensive and collaborative approach by DOST-NCR and its partners. These efforts are poised to significantly contribute to building a more digitally-empowered and sustainably-planned National Capital Region.
The Department of Science and Technology – National Capital Region is committed to accelerating regional development through science, technology, and innovation. Meanwhile, the Technological Institute of the Philippines is a leading educational institution dedicated to excellence in technological education and innovation-driven research.#
