IP Women showcase the process of adding bead works to their traditional clothing

The Indigenous People (IP) Women's Association of Barangay Kimlawis, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur exhibited their grassroots innovation to the United Nations Development Programme Independent Country Programme Evaluations (UNDP-ICPE) as part of strengthening the Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) program by the Department of Science and Technology XI (DOST XI).

Under the GRIND program, DOST XI conducted a SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping Immersion in the community and evaluated several grassroots innovations (GIs) for possible Science and Technology interventions. 

The IP Women showcased the process of producing their woven products, bead works, and heirloom recipes to UNDP led by Ms. Thaveeporn Vasavakul of UNDP Bangkok.

Ms. Thaveeporn Vasavakul of UNDP Bangkok (3rd from the left) tries on the traditional clothing made by the IP Women's Association

UNDP also discussed the community's current initiatives and challenges and identified opportunities with their innovations with the Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Fulong Joseph Saman,  other tribal chieftains, and members of the Women's Association. 

In 2020, the UNDP Philippines partnered with the GRIND program of DOST XI to support and nurture innovation from the informal and indigenous sectors and fund mature mapped projects. 

Currently, DOST XI is set to assist the IP Women Association's grassroots innovation on tribal dress through the provision of equipment.

Grassroots innovations are community-led solutions developed by the people in the countryside that are responsive to the local needs, interests, and values. Through the GRIND program, DOST XI develops these innovations through product development, prototyping, patenting, and capacity enhancement geared towards sustainable development.

DOST XI S&T Information and Promotion