DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Oct. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here turned over newly-constructed small-scale upload tilapia fish cages, 1,600 tilapia fingerlings, and three sacks of feeds to residents at Brgy. Janayjanay, San Jose on Oct. 6. 

Under its Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST), the DOST  partnered with Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) in crafting the livelihood program to address the needs of the residents.

The community is set to make a fresh start by adopting sustainable fish farming techniques aimed at securing its own source of fish in the upland community.

Situated close to Lake Balinsasayao, the community has abundant supply of fresh water, which makes the place ideal for upland fish farming.

The community was prepared to manage the project through various capability workshops and hands-on training by local experts.

DOST Provincial Director Atty. Gilbert Arbon said the department allocated funds for the upland tilapia farm in collaboration with NORSU for its expertise in managing extension programs.

During the turnover ceremony, Arbon urged the residents to take good care of the project to improve their livelihood on tilapia production. 

NORSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, Development and Extension Dr. Merivic Catada also reminded the famer’s association of their responsibilities as project beneficiary.

CEST is a package of S&T interventions which aims to build progressive, empowered, and resilient rural communities.

The program is targeting to empower the poorest and most depressed communities in the country, via science and technology interventions in health and nutrition, water and sanitation, basic education and literacy, livelihood/economic enterprise development, and disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from DOST)