Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and local government units, launched two major projects on July 31, 2025.

The Gigaquit Rum Distillery was officially opened in Gigaquit, spearheaded by Municipal Mayor Chandru T. Bonite. A product of SNSU, DOST, and LGU collaboration, the facility turns local agricultural produce into Gakit Rum, a premium product showcasing rural enterprise potential.

According to Mayor Bonite, they are not just launching a distillery but are celebrating a story- a legacy of craftsmanship, culture, and now, innovation, made possible by their strong collaboration with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, the DOST, and their academic partner, SNSU.

Following the morning event in Gigaquit, a program for the launching of Metals and Engineering Center was held at Surigao del Norte Provincial Gym with DOST Secretary Renato Solidum as the keynote speaker. The ceremony gathered key officials including DOST Usec. Sancho Mabborang, DOST-MIRDC Exec. Dir. Engr. Robert Dizon, DOST Caraga Regional Director Engr. Noel Ajoc, DOT Provincial Director Ms. Mariel P. Makinano. SDN Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers ( represented by Provincial Administrator Atty. Rise Faith Recabo), Mayor Bonite, Congresswoman Bernadette S. Barbers( represented by her Chief of Staff, Ms. Liza Monteros, SNSU President Dr. Rowena A. Plando together with SNSU officials, and the other invited guests.

In her message, Dr. Rowena A. Plando highlighted the center as a hub for research, innovation, and skills training—made possible through DOST-PCIEERD support.

Sec. Solidum, in delivering the keynote address, said that the inauguration of the three (3) initiatives, namely, the Gigaquit Rhum Distillery, Innovation Hub in Surigao City, and the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center at SNSU’s KM.8 site, represent the very essence of what the Department of Science and Technology stands for: empowering people, building local industries, and creating smart and sustainable communities.

He added, “But let me remind everyone: these facilities are not endpoints, they are starting points. What we are launching today are not just centers or buildings, but opportunities for learning, for research, for collaboration, and for enterprise. And it is up to all of us leaders, educators, innovators, and citizens, to sustain and maximize them.”

After the launching ceremony, Sec. Solidum, SNSU Pres. Plando, and other guests then proceeded to SNSU’s KM.8 site for the ribbon cutting and unveiling of the MEIC-SNSU Marker. It was followed by a tour showcasing various state-of-the-art machinery.

According Pres. Plando, the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center is more than a facility. “It is a regional hub of transformation—dedicated to research and development, skills training, and industry collaboration and its mission is to respond to pressing needs in fisheries, agroforestry, mining, and ecotourism, and to provide crucial support to local fabricators and entrepreneurs across the region.”

SGD 9 Industry,Innovation and Infrastructure

SGD 17 Partnerships for the Goals

SGD 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

SGD 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth