The Department of Science and Technology XI (DOST XI) has collaborated with barangay officials of identified disadvantaged areas for the implementation of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program of the Agency.
CEST is a DOST program that deploys a package of S&T interventions to build progressive, resilient, and empowered communities for the “disadvantaged sectors” in the country. Through the program, various activities such as livelihood trainings and capacity-building services are conducted to aid the community with their needs.
With the implementation of the Mandana’s Ruling where major services will be transferred to the Local Government Units, the barangay officials from Bantol in Marilog District, Lumiad and Malabog in Paquibato District were oriented on the implementation of the CEST project in their respective barangays.
The Davao City S&T Office (CSTO) presented the package of interventions to be implemented in line with the CEST entry points which covers livelihood trainings, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management fora, digital library deployment, installation of solar street lights, and distribution of breadfruit seedlings.
An online technology needs identification was also conducted by the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) to identify potential interventions for the small-scale furniture manufacturing businesses in Barangays Bantol and Malabog.
FPRDI said that they will conduct wood drying, wood seasoning, and wood preservation training and discuss ways to improve the quality of furniture products from producers in both barangays.
CSTO Director Mr. Arnel Rodriguez expressed optimism that the projects to be implemented in the barangays will significantly impact their community and improve the quality of their lives.
“We are very thrilled for the exciting developments that are to come in these barangays. We are very willing to support them through our programs at DOST,” he added.
