KATATAGAN Coalition Visits the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
- jsgaramay
- Sep 8, 2025
- 2 min read
June 18, 2025 | DOST Main Office, Taguig City
On June 18, 2025, the Kaisahan ng mga Tagapaglikha para sa Katatagan ng Komunidad (KATATAGAN) coalition, led by Ms. Maria Fe Maravillas of the Las Piñas Persons with Disability Federation Inc. (LPPWDFI), conducted a courtesy visit to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The visit was part of KATATAGAN’s efforts to establish stronger partnerships with national government agencies that support grassroots innovations for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR-CCA).
The delegation, which included members of the Pinnovation Academy, arrived at the DOST Main Building to meet with Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. An accessibility issue was encountered when Ms. Maravillas’ wheelchair could not fit through the elevator doors, which were found to be narrower than the 90 cm minimum standard required by Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 (Accessibility Law). The DOST staff responded swiftly and accommodatingly, relocating the meeting to the ground floor to ensure inclusivity.
Despite the initial challenge, the meeting proceeded in a warm and productive atmosphere. Secretary Solidum welcomed the delegation and actively engaged in the dialogue.
During the meeting, Ms. Maravillas introduced the KATATAGAN coalition as a national network of community-based innovators supported by the Center for Disaster Preparedness Foundation, Inc. (CDPFI). She explained that the coalition has developed a range of science-based solutions in response to DRR-CCA challenges. These innovations include emergency food systems, healing spaces and products during disasters, early warning devices, and accessible evacuation transport for persons with disabilities—some of which have already undergone testing through DOST’s regional offices.
It was also shared that numerous local government units (LGUs) and people’s organizations (POs) have expressed interest in replicating these community-driven solutions. One notable innovation, the Accessible Transport Management System (A-TraMS) developed by LPPWDFI, is seeking recognition as a service provider.
In response, Secretary Solidum and Mr. Melvin from the Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations (OUSECRO) clarified that while DOST does not issue service provider certifications, but they can help in earning the intellectual property rights of the organization. The agency is open to collaboration and support. Secretary Solidum introduced several DOST programs that may benefit KATATAGAN innovators, such as:
Smart and Sustainable Communities Program
Innovation HUB
GRIND (Good Research and Innovation through National Development)
CEST (Community Empowerment through Science and Technology)
Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP)
OneLab (One-stop Laboratory Services for Global Competitiveness)
One Experts Program
He also encouraged the group to explore partnerships with DOST-affiliated foundations and technical experts, particularly those focusing on persons with disabilities and entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, DOST expressed strong interest in future collaborations with the Center for Disaster Preparedness Foundation (CDPFI) and conveyed its support for the accreditation process of CDP with the agency, which would open further avenues for cooperation and program alignment.
The meeting concluded with a request from Secretary Solidum for KATATAGAN to submit a consolidated list of support needs from its community innovators. This would enable DOST to identify appropriate offices and partners for potential collaboration.
The visit was a meaningful step forward in advocating inclusive and science-based community development, reinforcing the importance of government–civil society partnerships in building resilient communities.
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