CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-10 and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) turned over four solar-powered vending carts under the "Build Back Vending Cart" project on November 17.

The beneficiaries of the program were out-of-school youths (OSYs) under the USAID Opportunity 2.0 program who were graduates of the design thinking and entrepreneurial boot camp organized by USAID and the Economic Development Council (EDC) of Philippine Business for Education.

In addition to the training, beneficiaries also underwent a food safety seminar to guide them on the safe and proper way to prepare their products.

"Ang nakadawat ani kay ang mga out-of-school youth nga gusto magnegosyo. Kani dako nga tabang sa ila para mapirmanente nila [ilang negosyo] ug naa na sila'y steady [nga pingabuhian] at least bahala ginagmay basta kanunay nga income nga makatabang sa pang-adlaw-adlaw nila nga panginahanglan," DOST-10 Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Engr. Romela Ratilla said.

[The recipients of this project are out-of-school youths who want to do business. This can help them to establish [their own business] permanently and give them a steady [livelihood] and steady income, which can help them in their everyday lives.]

The cart is compliant with health safety protocols and is equipped with a solar panel that can generate 100 watts, a hand washing area, a food preparation area, a drinking water outlet, and a bicycle, amounting to a total estimated value of P70,000.

For their part, EDC youth development coordinator Kotie Bax reminded the youth beneficiaries to be focused on their goals in life, have positive habits in life, and make God part of their business to help them become successful in their endeavors.

She also urged the youth beneficiaries to spread the word to fellow out-of-school youths about the program so that they too can avail of it.

DOST-10 urges the youth to participate in wealth creation by starting to think about business. The agency also said that the OSYs should not lose hope and should strive hard to change their way of life since there are many opportunities and programs that the government and USAID are offering. The opportunity for the OSYs is a collaborative effort of the youth development alliance such as DOST, DTI, USAID, USTP, and other agencies and organizations. (JAKA/PIA-10)