Saliklakbay Romblon completes MIMAROPA round-up of GRIND

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Information Officer

Sibuyan, Romblon, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology-MIMAROPA, through its Provincial S&T Office in Romblon, brings to Sibuyan, Romblon the SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping Immersion under the DOST-led nationwide program, Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND). Ms. Mary Luz B. Advincula-Niere of DOST XI and the GRIND national focal person delivers the rationale of the GRIND program and the SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping.

At Brgy. Danao, Cajidiocan, Romblon last April 22, 2025 covered the DOST Saliklakbay Solutions Mapping and Immersion (GRIND) program. Mayor Greggy Ramos of Cajidiocan personally welcomed the DOST Mimaropa group.

Romblon DOST Evaluation Team did some observations of different local products such as tiger grass broom, local delicacies like balatsaw, pinais, egg noodles and some semi-precious gems which are mostly hand-made. Dr. Randy Nobleza from Marinduque a member of the evaluation team reported about heirloom recipes in line with Filipino Food Heritage Month. Romblon State University- San Fernando faculty members (participants) met Sir Jacinto “Jhaze” Asuncion, Jr., one of Product Evaluators who discussed on product research and development.

This program sponsored the gov’t thru DOST Mimaropa will not only inspire the producers but will develop the innovative skills of the people. Barangay Capt. Greg Villanueva and Kagawad Jetty Ibabao graced the Salik-Lakbay (Solutions Mapping and Immersion) program of the national government thru DOST Mimaropa. Barangay Danao who hosted the event fully welcome the barangay officials. Sir Manny Ladera of San Fernando Department of Agriculture (participant) of said LGU explains on the use of native materials during afternoon forum of Saliklakbay DOST Mimaropa at Danao, Cajidiocan, Romblon.Evaluation panel members after observations of different native products of Romblon hold an afternoon forum with interaction but mostly speakers recommend some remedial solution specially on finished products that uses rattan, vines (bagging) and other forest materials forbidden by Department of Environmental and Natural Resources.The second day of the immersion was spent in Cresta de Gallo with Sir Manny during the morning and after lunch, the Salikbayers went to Cantingas River to beat the summer heat. The third day was spent with a forum on semi-precious stones with Dr. Gabriel Theopilo Valera from the University of the Philippines National Institute of Geological Sciences to help out small-scale gem craftsmen and artisans.