DOST opens distillery, metal engineering facility in Surigao Norte
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently opened two key facilities in Surigao del Norte namely, the Gigaquit rum processing facility in Gigaquit town, and the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEI) in Surigao City.
These facilites are set to boost local innovation, support budding entrepreneurs, and celebrate the province’s rich heritage.
The Gigaquit rum processing facility, a distillery, celebrated a major leap in local innovation.
“This facility is a collaborative effort between DOST Caraga, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte, LGU Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU), and the community partners,” said DOST Surigao del Norte Director Mariel P. Makinano.
She added, “The facility seamlessly blends science and tradition by introducing modern rum processing, quality testing, and flavor development, all rooted in Gigaquit’s rich nipa heritage.”
This project stands as a testament to the community’s ingenuity and a proud showcase of heritage in a bottle.
Meanwhile, the DOST also opened the innovation hub (iHub) and unveiled the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center in Surigao City as a nurturing space for early-stage innovators, startups, and aspiring technopreneurs.
Designed as a pre-incubation facility, it will provide structured mentorship, networking opportunities, access to resources to help transform ideas into viable enterprises, groom innovation, and advance workforce competencies in metals and engineering.
The launch was spearheaded by key officials, including DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang, and DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Robert O. Dizon.
They were joined by DOST Caraga Director Noel M. Ajoc, Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, Gigaquit, Mayor Chandru T. Bonite, Vice Mayor Pem B. Bonite, SNSU President Rowena O. Plando, and representatives from local government units, academic institutions, and innovation stakeholders.
These innovative centers underscored the strengthened partnership between national government agencies, local government units, academic institutions, and key stakeholders in advancing science, technology, and innovation across the province of Surigao del Norte. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DOST SDN)
