DOST XII - South Cotabato Provincial Office

14/08/2026

🚀 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐂𝐒𝐊𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍 & 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐌!

SICAD-SOX is proud to partner with Enactus Philippines in advancing student innovation and entrepreneurship in Region XII and BARMM and supporting the Enactus Philippines National Competition 2026.

Before the national competition, we invite students, faculty advisers, universities, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders across SOCCSKSARGEN to join our 𝐄𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧:

📅 Saturday, August 15, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM
💻 Via Zoom

Learn more about Enactus Philippines, the 2026 National Competition, and how your university can participate in this year's Early-Stage Project Competition Track.

The competition is open to recognized higher education institutions in the Philippines, with participating teams developing and presenting innovative entrepreneurial project concepts that are still in the ideation or early implementation stage.

🏆 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆?

PHP 100,000 for the National Champion, plus the opportunity to represent the Philippines at the Enactus World Cup 2026 in Brazil.

📣 Join the August 15 Information Session to learn how to apply, understand the competition requirements and mechanics, and discover how your team can prepare for the National Competition this October!

Application Deadline: August 25, 2026

🔗 Full competition mechanics: https://enactus.ph/2026-national-competition

📌 Register/Join the Information Session:

https://tinyurl.com/enactusphinfoxii

https://tinyurl.com/enactusphinfoxii

https://tinyurl.com/enactusphinfoxii

Bring your idea. Build your team. Take entrepreneurial action.

14/08/2026

Tomorrow's the day! 🚀

Join us for the Information Session for Region XII & BARMM and learn more about the ENACTUS Philippines 2026 National Competition—including the full competition mechanics and application process.

📅 August 15, 2026 (Saturday)
🕘 9:00 AM
💻 Via Zoom

Don't miss this opportunity to get your questions answered and prepare your team for the competition.

Scan the QR code to register or visit enactus.ph/2026-national-competition.

14/08/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐗𝐈𝐈–𝐏𝐒𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐨. 𝐍𝐢ñ𝐨 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐬

The Department of Science and Technology–SOCCSKSARGEN Region (DOST XII), through its Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO)–South Cotabato, under the leadership of Provincial Director Giselle Eve O. Siladan, joined the second leg of Project CO-FUND (Collaborative Opportunities for Financial Upliftment and Network Development): Unlocking Grants & Capital for MSMEs, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–South Cotabato headed by Provincial Director Mr. Elbert Cepecio, on August 4, 2026, at the Sto. Niño Public Market, Sto. Niño, South Cotabato.

Following its successful launch in Norala, the forum brought government agencies and financing institutions closer to local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), opening more doors to financing opportunities, business support, and enterprise development assistance.

Bringing science, technology, and innovation into the spotlight, DOST XII–PSTO South Cotabato showcased its flagship programs, including the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST), and iFWD PH. Through these programs, local entrepreneurs were introduced to technology-based interventions that can help improve productivity, enhance product quality, and boost business competitiveness.

The activity was supported by Sto. Niño Municipal Mayor Hon. Sulpicio F. Villalobos, who reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to empowering MSMEs and strengthening local enterprise development. Representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), DTI–Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.), and Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) also shared their respective financing programs and support services for entrepreneurs.

14/08/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐗𝐈𝐈–𝐏𝐒𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐔𝐩 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐎-𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦

Opportunities, innovation, and funding took center stage as the Department of Science and Technology–SOCCSKSARGEN Region (DOST XII), through its Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO)–South Cotabato, under the leadership of Provincial Director Giselle Eve O. Siladan, joined the Project CO-FUND (Collaborative Opportunities for Financial Upliftment and Network Development): Unlocking Grants & Capital for MSMEs organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–South Cotabato headed by Provincial Director Mr. Elbert Cepecio on July 30, 2026, at the Norala Public Market, Norala, South Cotabato.

Bringing together micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the forum opened doors to financing opportunities, grants, and government programs designed to help local businesses take their next big step.

Bringing science, technology, and innovation into the conversation, DOST XII–PSTO South Cotabato showcased its flagship programs, the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST), and iFWD PH; demonstrating how the right technology and support can turn business challenges into opportunities. The activity was also supported by Norala Municipal Mayor Hon. Clemente Fedoc, who reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to empowering MSMEs and creating a stronger environment for inclusive local economic growth.

With representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), DTI–Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.), Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), and Rural Bank of Norala, Inc. (RBNI) also sharing their financing programs and support services, the forum became a one-stop avenue for entrepreneurs to discover, connect, and take action.

13/08/2026

𝐀𝐈 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐗𝐈𝐈 - 𝐏𝐒𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐨𝐂𝐨𝐭 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐈 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐈-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

The Department of Science and Technology–SOCCSKSARGEN Region (DOST XII), through the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO)–South Cotabato, continues to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies as it participated in the AI Fest 2026, held in Iloilo City from August 3–5, 2026. Under the leadership of Provincial Director Giselle Eve O. Siladan, PSTO–South Cotabato was represented by Mr. Karl Henry G. Franial, who joined fellow technology enthusiasts, innovators, government representatives, academe, and industry stakeholders in this three-day national gathering anchored on the theme, “Building an AI-Ready Future, Together.”

Far beyond a showcase of cutting-edge technology, AI Fest 2026 served as a dynamic learning and collaboration platform, giving participants opportunities to explore how artificial intelligence can be translated into practical solutions for real-world challenges. The event featured a powerful lineup of activities, including the AI Technical Conference, AI Hackathon, PGDX Iloilo; AI Expo, SineAI, AI Game On!, AI in Motion, AI Speaks, AI Connect, and AI Policy Lab, bringing together ideas, innovations, and conversations that can shape the country’s digital future.

For DOST XII–PSTO South Cotabato, participation in AI Fest 2026 underscores its continuing commitment to harnessing science, technology, and innovation to empower communities and strengthen regional innovation ecosystems. Building on the momentum of the 2025 edition, this year’s festival expanded opportunities for national and international collaboration while strengthening the link among government, academe, industry, and innovation stakeholders.

With AI rapidly transforming the way people work, learn, create, and solve problems, DOST XII remains ready to embrace the possibilities, equipping its people with knowledge, fostering innovation, and helping build a smarter, more inclusive, and AI-ready Philippines.

13/08/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐗𝐈𝐈–𝐏𝐒𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲

The Department of Science and Technology–SOCCSKSARGEN Region (DOST XII), through its Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO)–South Cotabato, under the leadership of Provincial Director Giselle Eve O. Siladan, continues to equip local enterprises with knowledge and innovations that promote sustainability, competitiveness, and responsible business practices.

In partnership with the City Government of Koronadal, led by Hon. Mayor Erlinda P. Araquil, MDMG, DPA, DOST XII–PSTO SoCot conducted the Seminar on Sustainable Packaging and Circular Economy for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Koronadal City.

Serving as the technical expert and resource person for the training was Ms. Ainee Gamor, Science Research Specialist II who shared valuable insights and practical approaches on sustainable packaging, resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the principles of a circular economy.

The training provided participating MSMEs with a deeper understanding of how sustainable packaging solutions can go beyond aesthetics and product presentation, becoming a powerful tool for reducing environmental impacts, improving resource efficiency, and strengthening the overall competitiveness of their businesses.

More than simply a learning activity, the seminar serves as a step toward building greener, more resilient, and future-ready MSMEs in Koronadal City. By introducing science-, technology-, and innovation-based solutions, DOST XII and the City Government of Koronadal aim to help local enterprises respond to emerging market demands while contributing to environmental sustainability.

13/08/2026

12/08/2026

𝟏𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐍𝐇𝐑𝐒 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨, 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬

The 19th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week Celebration officially kicked off yesterday, August 12, 2026, at The Farm at Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, bringing together researchers, health experts, research leaders, and key stakeholders from across the Philippines to celebrate the power of health research and innovation.

Carrying this year’s theme, “HEALTHCONVERGE: Transforming Health Research, Connecting Cultures,” the celebration highlights the importance of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and diverse perspectives in advancing health research for the benefit of Filipino communities.
Opening the celebration, Hon. Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. warmly welcomed participants to South Cotabato and expressed his appreciation for the selection of the province as the venue for this year’s national celebration. He emphasized the significance of bringing together experts and advocates in health research to strengthen partnerships and contribute to better health outcomes.

Meanwhile, Dr. Leah J. Buendia, Officer-in-Charge and Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), officially opened the week-long celebration, setting the stage for a series of meaningful discussions, fora, and knowledge-sharing activities focused on transforming the country’s health research landscape.

Adding to the vibrant gathering, the DOST XII–PSTO SoCot team actively participated in the summit. While members of the Provincial Research and Development and Innovation Committee (PRDIC) of South Cotabato also joined the event, witnessing the various fora and discussions featuring emerging insights, innovations, and developments in health research.

There is still time to be part of this exciting celebration!
Join us from August 12–14, 2026, at The Farm at Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and discover the latest developments in health research, connect with experts and fellow researchers, and be inspired by innovations that can make a real difference in our communities.

12/08/2026