What is GRIND Program?
A pioneering program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that aims to empower marginalized communities by developing and strengthening its existing Grassroots Innovations (GIs) and establishing the GRIND Program in Davao Region and ultimately, countrywide.
One of the timely community-based initiatives of the DOST in the combat against COVID-19 and the new normal that enables the marginalized communities to adapt to the current and upcoming changes posed by this pandemic.
What is Grassroots Innovation?
Grassroots Innovations, are innovative products, process or technology created by people from the countryside, usually due to necessity, hardship or challenges.
- Build on existing knowledge, systems and practices
- Capitalize on existing or indigenous resources i.e. people with their culture, knowledge, systems and practices; available natural and physical resources
- Composite of indigenous/locally developed and introduced innovations
- Contribute to the attainment of Sustainability, SDGs
- Address problems and concerns emanating from the grassroots
- Address the triple bottom lines at the community level
The Philippines’ GRIND Program
SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping
Identification/Inventory of Grassroots Innovations for possible funding thru the “SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping Adventure”
SalikLakbay activity involves Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD).
PRA refers to the community engagement done during SalikLakbay, and this will further be followed by the FGD for the presentation of identified GIs and lobbying of possible S&T intervention and assistance.