PANABO CITY – Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), through the participation of Rolando Jr. P. Bansag, faculty member under the BS Entrepreneurship program and focal person of the MICROGRIDTERPRISES project, joined the Department of Science and Technology Region (DOST) XI delegation in an International Learning Visit to Japan.
The visit was part of the ongoing extension project titled “MICROGRIDTERPRISES in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST)”. The purpose of the travel was to explore innovative practices in renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable rural development that could be localized and adapted for GIDAs in Davao del Norte, particularly in Sitio Gupitan and Sitio Tibucag.
The learning visit aimed to establish market access to international industries and identify science-based systems that support community-responsive development. On August 25, 2025, the delegation explored Kitakyushu Eco-Town and the Next-Generation Energy Park, gaining firsthand insights into Japan’s pioneering initiatives in renewable energy and circular economy. These visits highlighted how Japan effectively balances technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and economic considerations in its energy sector.
On August 27, the group visited Hiroshima University’s Biomass Project Research Center, where they learned about community-focused biomass research and science-based system design. This was followed by a visit to Maniwa, Okayama on August 28–29. Known as the “Forest City”, Maniwa is covered by 80% forest and has developed an exemplary model for utilizing woody and agricultural biomass for community development. The Maniwa Biomass Power Plant showcased how waste can be transformed into value, creating opportunities for enterprises in renewable energy, logistics, and by-product utilization.
The learning visit concluded on August 30, 2025, with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DOST XI and the Mindanao-Japan Science and Technology Platform (MJ-STeP), formalizing collaborative efforts in science and technology. By integrating Japan’s best practices into local contexts, DNSC continues to empower GIDA communities through applied research, technology deployment, and inclusive development strategies.
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