DOST-9 to hold 2013 regional invention contest, exhibits

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-IX) in coordination with Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) and Regional Inventors Society (RIS) will conduct the 2013 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) on Nov. 28 – Dec. 1, 2013 at Gaisano Mall this city.

DOST – 9 Regional Director Brenda Nazareth-Manzano said the RICE serves as the elimination/qualifying round for the National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) scheduled in July 2014 in Manila.

Manzano said inventors and creative researchers from all over the region are expected to participate in at least one of the six different contest categories, namely, Outstanding Inventions (Tuklas Award), Utility Models, Industrial Designs, Creative Researchers (Likha Award), Student Creative Research (Sibol Award) for high school and college students.

RICE 2013 aims to provide support to Filipino inventions by bringing their inventions to the attention of the public, potential investors and possible commercial partners, Director Manzano added.

Dr. Carol M. Yorobe, DOST undersecretary for regional operations will be the guest of honor and keynote speaker during the opening program together with Engr. Edgar I. Garcia, director of DOST-TAPI, Manzano said.

This year’s event is anchored on the theme “Inventions and Innovations for Smarter Philippines,” which underscores the invaluable contributions of Filipinos inventions and innovations in helping the country move forward by coping with the diverse challenges brought about by global economic crisis. (FPG/CAL/PIA9 with reports from DOST-9)