Aborlan, Palawan, Philippines — The Grassroots Initiatives for Inclusive Development (GRIND) Saliklakbay was conducted in the province of Palawan to map solutions and have an immersion. The pentahelix representatives: academe, media, industry, government and civil society have joined forces to address several and pressing needs through rapid ethnography and assessment. The Grassroots Innovation Technical Evaluation Committee (GITEC) members touched based with indigenous peoples, women, cooperatives, private enterprise and local college.

From Puerto Princesa, the Saliklabayers traversed concrete and winding roads to Apurawan, Aborlan for the solutions mapping and immersion. Engr. Bernie Balo, the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology Manager and Grind focal person from the Provincial Science and Technology Office in Palawan hosted the even. In behalf of Aborlan mayor Hon. Jaime Ortega was represented by Sir Napoleon Tamaño. Moreover, Hon. Elmer Balladares represented Brgy. Apurawan. Department of Science and Technology Regional Director for Mimaropa, Dr. Ma. Josefina Abilay and DOST XI Assistant Regional Director Mam Mirasol Domingo gave recorded messages.

Meanwhile, the Grind national focal Mary Luz Advincula- Niere and Grind Technical Working group member Cathleen Montano took turns in discussion the rationale of Saliklakbay and immersion protocols. To wrap the saliklakbay solutions mapping and immersion, the PSTO Director Engr. Pacifico Sariego III issued challenges, shared insights and thanks the participants. Then Mam Eva of Binuatan Creations showed a video about their advocacy and product line.

GRIND is concerned with grassroots or from the community, likewise the Filipino trait “diskarte” in short innovativeness and inclusive development, “sama-samang pag-unlad.” Previously, the GITEC team went to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Mansalay and Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro. The next Saliklakbay is slated next year in Marinduque and Romblon.

(Randy T. Nobleza/Island Innovation Ambassador, Island Innovation Academic Council Representative)