The Most Resourceful and Creative Grassroots Innovators in NCR Recognized at First Regional Grassroots Innovation and Circular Economy (GICE) Expo

Embodying science beyond borders, Grassroots Innovators from communities in NCR participated in the 2024 Regional Grassroots Innovation and Circular Economy (GICE) Expo on September 19, 2024 at the Henry Sy Sr. Innovation Center, Miriam College, Quezon City.  

Aiming to identify, promote, and support innovative grassroots solutions, the GICE is conducted under DOST-NCR’s Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) Program highlighting the innovators’ ability to address problems in circular economy, contributing to the Philippines’ accomplishment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Leaders and changemakers from various sectors attended the GICE including DOST-NCR Regional Director Engr. Romelen T. Tresvalles delivering the opening remarks and acknowledgement of participants. Ms. Mirasol G. Domingo, Assistant Director for the Technical Support Services Division and Program Leader of the GRIND Program from DOST IX also shared a Message of Support for the grassroots innovation community.  

Mr. Jonathan Co, Executive Officer of Sentinel Upcycling Technologies Inc., and Ms. Luz B. Advincula, MBA, Project Technical Assistant VI and National Program Coordinator of the GRIND Program, facilitated a knowledge exchange that highlighted the importance of recognizing solutions and grassroots innovations for circular economy to build sustainable communities. Among those who shared their innovation journeys were Mr. Denver O. Chicano, Owner of Patchmed Cosmetic Trading, Mr. Fed Marcelo, Barangay Councilor of Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City, and Ms. Winfodora Palafox, President of the Southville 3 Home-Based Producer Association Inc., all of whom highlighted the impact of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) across various sectors.  

Among the awarded grassroots innovators for the 2024 Regional Search for the Best GICE Solutions were as follows:   

For the Grassroots Innovation (GI) category:  

1st Place: Floating Storage from Greenland Farmer’s Cooperative  

2nd Place: Candle Pusher for Paschal Candle by Pancio C. Payos  

3rd Place: Istoron (Panghuli ng isda) from Samahan ng Mandaragat ng Isla Puting Bato  

For the Circular Economy Category:  

1st Place: GuaBaNIKA from the Association of Filipinos Prosthetists and Orthotists (AFPO)  

2nd Place: Plant-based Bagoong from Eugelio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST)  

3rd Place: Basahan Couture by John Dave Montecalvo and Ralfh Gerald Gallegos  

The Regional Winners will be competing at the National GICE Expo on October 21-22, 2024. 

  By: Noel G. Calcetas, SCCU