DOST Secretary Solidum Visits USM

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. visited the University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato for the Inauguration of DOST PAGASA Synoptic-Agromet Station, visit to the X-Band Radar Facility, and launch of the DOST Innovation Hub (iHub), Project SARAI Regional Hub, and USMart Technology Business Incubator (TBI) on August 30, 2025. 

Together with him were the esteemed DOST dignitaries namely, Undersecretary for Regional Operations (OUSEC-RO) Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, PAGASA Administrator Dr. Nathaniel T. Servando, Dr. Roel Sancho (representing  USEC for special concerns Teodoro Gatchalian), DOST XII Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, and DOST XII Provincial Directors. Furthermore, Representatives of the First and Third District Congressional District of Cotabato, Hon. Edwin L. Cruzado, M.D., and Hon. Ma. Alana Samantha Santos, respectively, together with Cotabato Governor Hon. Emmylou Taliño- Mendoza, Vice Governor Hon. Ella T. Taray, and Kabacan Municipal Administrator Ben Guzman, representing Kabacan Mayor Evangeline Pascua Guzman, also graced the activity. 

The iHUB at USM is the 58th of its kind in the Philippines. It is envisioned as a dynamic collaborative space where students, researchers, faculty members, entrepreneurs, and local communities come together to co-create innovative solutions addressing critical challenges in agriculture, industry, health, and the environment. Serving as a convergence point for ideas, technologies, and partnerships, the iHUB aims to transform research outputs into real-world applications that enhance lives and promote sustainable livelihoods.

In the same event, the C-Trike innovation was also turned over to Kidapawan Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA). The C-Trike is an electric-powered tricycle designed to provide short-distance mobility without relying on fossil fuels. It operates using rechargeable batteries, producing zero direct emissions and significantly reducing noise pollution. Other DOST technologies that were turned over beneficiaries were Portasol units, or portable multipurpose solar drying trays, DOST STARBOOKS , and Coffee Processing Equipment. Further, booths featuring the research outputs of USM personnel, students, and incubatees were set up to highlight the University’s achievements.

In his message, Sec. Solidum, with enthusiasm, said that “USM” as an abbreviation can also be called “United Stakeholders in Mindanao”. He provided contexts and objectives of the projects and facilities in USM. Also, he emphasize to build partnerships with industries with the desire to create impact that can deliver social and economic development in the communities. 

Dr. Solidum also added key points regarding technology commercialization. He said: “As our target we will capitalize the interaction between technology producers and potential investors and capitalists making sure that our product from the Philippines can be massively used here in the Philippines but also introduced globally.”

In addition, the Secretary encouraged the audience to be more patriotic not only in the government and academe, but also to businesspeople and community leaders.

“It is high time for us to be more patriotic now more than ever. At times we might feel helpless [and] annoyed with what’s happening… do things that you can control, just pray for things that we cannot control, and hope that these challenges can be resolved by others. But helplessness is dangerous because it breeds apathy instead let us rise above it be positive be more patriotic,” he explained.

“DOST is not just a Funding Agency… but we also spend time with you because we care and because we believe in the impact you can make for our people, we are not helping you for your promotion, we are here to help you so that we can help more of our kababayans.” The Secretary spoke. 

Also, USec Engr. Mabborang, in his speech, emphasized that innovations should not be trapped within the confines of laboratories but reaches households, farms, and businesses. He shared that DOST’s intention is to make knowledge, expertise, and innovation flow directly and seamlessly not only to students and be felt by farmers, entrepreneurs, and local communities.  

“Please be assured that we will continue to support you researchers, empower your students, and help create opportunities for industries and communities… the future we envision is not built by not DOST alone, it is built with you all.” He ended. 

Subsequently, USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, expressed his gratitude to DOST Secretary and company for visiting USM. 

Lastly, Dr. Debbie Marie B. Verzosa, the VPRDE of USM, expressed her appreciation to Sec. Solidum for the time he spent to visit USM, the facilities and lead the inauguration of several projects, and for Engr. Malawan for making it possible for hosting the big event. 

“We are here celebrating our partnership, grateful for the chance to show how the university has made the most of DOST support, not only by maximizing resources but also by striving for research excellence that uplifts communities, while sharing our continuing needs as we move forward in research and innovation,” she remarked. She also expressed gratitude to the University’s researchers, the heart and soul of the partnership between USM and DOST, as it is through their dedication, creativity, and perseverance that the collaboration has flourished, yielding knowledge and innovations that truly serve our people.

The big event, titled “Advancing Science and Innovation in Mindanao: A Milestone Visit of DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.” was spearheaded by the USM Research Development and Extension (RDE) Office in coordination with DOST Region XII through DOST Cotabato Province. 

DOST scholars from both undergraduate and graduate programs, members of the media, USM researchers, faculty, and staff, personnel from the Department of Education (DepEd), as well as officials from various Local Government Units (LGUs) , visitors from other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) attended the activity.