📍On Friday, 21 August 2026, the University of Camarines Norte (UCN), Philippines, hosted an event as part of the Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week Celebration.
The event brought together participants from State Colleges and Universities, private schools and local government units, with representatives from all six provinces of the Bicol Region.
The programme highlighted the region’s rich plant resources and their potential for innovation, sustainable products and food development. Activities included:
- 🍍PINAVATION Scientific Proposal Contest – highlighting the region’s signature fruit, the Queen Pineapple, and encouraging innovative research and ideas around this important crop.
- 🌿Exhibition of Natural Fibres – showcasing natural fibres derived from plants grown in the region, including pineapple fibre. The exhibition demonstrated innovative applications of pineapple fibre, from traditional pineapple cloth to sustainable alternatives to leather, including shoes and bags.
- 🥜Exhibition of Innovative Food Products – featuring a variety of products made from locally important crops and plants, including root crops, peanuts, Pili nuts, Queen Pineapple and moringa, among others.
The event demonstrated how regional plant diversity can inspire science, innovation and sustainable solutions, while creating new opportunities to add value to locally grown crops and strengthen the connection between research, education and communities.
