MMSU hosts GICE Expo 2025
The Grassroots Innovation and Circular Economy (GICE) Expo officially opened at Mariano Marcos State University in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, marking a key celebration of this year’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), on November 21.
Led by Vice President for Research, Development and Innovation Nathaniel Alibuyog, MMSU researchers, faculty members, and students took part in the said event, forwarding the university’s agenda in supporting research, innovation and development initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Under the DOST - Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) Program, the GICE Expo brings forward locally developed, community-driven solutions that display how creativity and practical science address real-world challenges. The said program converged regional innovators to showcase innovative products that promote sustainability and resource efficiency.
The said expo also featured presentations from local and international resource speakers. Dr. Francis N. Baleta, Science and Technology Fellow III, led “STI4CE in Action: Enabling Grassroots Innovation for Smart and Sustainable Communities.” Mr. Isanka P. Gamage, Co-founder and Managing Director of the International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM), discussed “Knowledge Management for Scaling Grassroots Circular Economy Initiatives.” Meanwhile, Dr. Anil K. Gupta, Founder of Honeybee Network, presented ‘The Impact and Future of Grassroots Innovations’.
In a video message, Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV endorsed the GICE Expo. He emphasized the ongoing significance of research and innovation in tackling the nation's problems and applauded the use of technology to create smarter, more sustainable cities and communities. The senator reaffirmed the Senate's support for programs that encourage workable ideas for the advancement of the country and empower grassroots innovators.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., stressed that encouraging grassroots innovators enhances the country's potential to develop resilience and sustainability, noting that local creativity frequently results in scalable solutions with national impact. He further stressed that DOST, along with its allied institutions, are stretching its reach to communities, supporting the organization’s ‘agham na ramdam’ tagline.
This year’s GICE Expo includes innovative food products from indigenous crops, metal arts from scrap metals, upcycled abaca and kogon handicrafts, beeswax, handlooms, and accessories.
Also present at the ceremony were DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho Mabborang; Maridon Sahagun of the Office of the Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services; Dr. Bernardo Sepeda, Executive Director of DOST-NRCP; Dr. Anthony Sales, GRIND Program Leader; Dr. Nathan Ray Alim, GRIND Project Leader; Mr. Ernest Tomas, Jr. of Mindanao Development Authority; and Mr. Kyle Douglas “Kulas” Jennermann, GRIND Program Ambassador.
GRIND is a pioneering program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that aims to empower marginalized communities by developing and strengthening existing Grassroots Innovations (GIs) and establishing the initiative countrywide. Since 2023, the GICE Expo has provided a platform for grassroots innovators from regions implementing the GRIND program to showcase their work. (𝘔𝘔𝘝)
Nov, 25, 2025 09:14:am
Written By:
STRATCOM
Other News
LHS Laoag students join EDUTech Asia confab in Singapore
MMSU researchers present probiotic studies at Asian confab
Bangui mayor visits MMSU for academic partnership
PUP, MMSU ink MOU for joint academic and research programs
Strong interagency action mobilized as MMSU confronts recurring bomb threat hoaxes; two persons of interest identified in November 2024 incident