The Department of Science and Technology XI (DOST XI) started a research project for potential Grassroots Innovations (GIs) in partnership with the local government unit of General Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao through a field visit in the area last May 19-21, 2023.
GIs include innovative products, processes, or technologies developed by people from rural areas, frequently as a result of necessity or difficulty.
The activity was conducted under the project entitled, “Inventory and Digitization of Traditional Knowledge and Grassroots Innovations in Ligawasan Marsh as Basis for Knowledge-to-Action Programs (KAP)”, which aims to document, assess, and publish a compendium of GIs from the local communities in Ligawasan Marsh.
The research project, funded by the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), also aims to recommend policies for sustaining traditional knowledge and GIs to protect the intellectual property of local innovators, among others.
Traditional knowledge is the collective knowledge, practices, innovations, and beliefs developed by indigenous or local communities over time through their experience and interactions with the natural environment.
Ligawasan Marsh is considered one of the country’s critical biodiversity ecosystems and has been the subject of numerous studies to determine its resources, people, and ecosystem.
The results of the research project will be disseminated to stakeholders within and outside the Marsh, including BARMM which has a major stake in the development and management of the Marsh.
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