Science built by Filipinos, for Filipinos: RSTW 2026 opens August 6 in Valenzuela City
Filipino ideas, technologies, and success stories will take center stage as the Department of Science and Technology–National Capital Region (DOST-NCR), together with the City of Valenzuela, hosts the 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW), its flagship celebration of homegrown science and innovation, from August 6–8, 2026, in Valenzuela City.
This year’s celebration carries the theme “Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan,” with the sub-theme “Science, Technology, and Digital Innovation Driving Food Security, Sustainable Energy, and National Resilience.” While science is often associated with complex concepts, technical jargon, and even mathematical models and equations, its purpose is ultimately simple: to solve real problems and improve people’s lives. Through RSTW, the public is invited to discover, experience, and appreciate these innovations firsthand—bringing science closer to every Filipino.
Technology You Can See in Action
Visitors will get an up-close look at Filipino-developed technologies that are already creating real impact in communities and businesses. Discover how the PAGASA National Hydro-Met Observing Network (PANaHON) provides near real-time weather updates that help communities prepare for changing weather conditions.
Learn how Filipino MSMEs are embracing smarter operations through the DOST-CUATRO program and the Advanced Manufacturing Center, which support businesses in adopting modern technologies and improving productivity.
For a more immersive experience, visitors can also try VirtuHalal, a virtual reality training platform developed by FEU Institute of Technology and TESDA that strengthens skills and supports the growing Halal industry in the NCR.
These are just some of the many technologies yet to be discovered at the 2026 RSTW.
Conversations for a Better Metro Manila
Following its sub-theme, the three-day event promises a rich learning experience through a series of forums and knowledge-sharing sessions. Highlights include the PhilAASTI Luzon Island Seminar, Ani at Huli sa Nagbabagong Klima: Mga Perspektiba sa Kalakhang Maynila, and TEKNOLOKAL: Bridging Technology Commercialization and Adoption for Food Security, Sustainable Energy, and National Resilience, alongside many other discussions on emerging science, technology, and innovation topics. These sessions will bring together experts, innovators, government agencies, and communities to exchange ideas, share best practices, and inspire collaborative, science-based solutions for a more resilient future.
Together, these forums offer multiple entry points into the conversation, whichever angle visitors are most curious about.
Innovators Solving Urban Problems
Youngsters can also test their skills against their peers through several competitions that have been lined up throughout the three-day fair: Grade 6 students can unleash their artistic prowess through the ‘Blue Horizons: Sci-Art Poster Making Competition’; high school and college students who are into gaming can join the ‘Gear Up NCR: Esports Game Dev Challenge’; and college students and professionals can channel their creativity for a cause through the ‘Code Green: Digital Solution Hackathon for a Circular Economy’.
Aside from these, participants can also satisfy their food cravings with the products to be sold at the bazaar, featuring products from the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program, Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology, and Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines beneficiaries.
More than a science event, RSTW 2026 is a reminder that science isn’t meant to stay in laboratories or textbooks, but to be felt in the everyday lives of Filipinos—in the food on their table, the power in their homes, and the safety of their communities. It is an invitation for every Filipino, regardless of background or profession, to see that science and innovation are not reserved for a few but are solutions and opportunities for all.
Because, as DOST’s catchy song goes, “Science is for Everyone, Science is for Everybody.”
Join us on August 6–8, 2026, in Valenzuela City, and discover how science, technology, and innovation are being built—from the Filipinos, for the Filipinos.
To pre-register, visit the official microsite of the event through this link: https://rstw2026.dostncr.ph/
By Aurora F. Marcelo and Maji Manel B. Medenilla
