MAKILALA, Cotabato Province (PIA) -- The Philippine Army battalions and brigades with Cotabato Province as their area of responsibility are now beneficiaries of the Department of Science and Technology’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program.
Recently, eight army groups entered into an agreement with the DOST in line with the implementation of the program. The beneficiaries are the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, 602nd Infantry Brigade, 39th Infantry Battalion, 72nd Infantry Battalion, 90th Infantry Battalion, Community Defense Center, and the 1201st Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion.
Stipulated in the memorandum of agreement is the provision of equipment to support livelihood initiatives, Starlink internet access to boost connectivity, solar-powered water systems to address water scarcity, IEC equipment support including DOST-STARBOOKS to facilitate learning, and solar-powered lights to promote safety and security.
DOST XII Regional Director Engr. Sammy Malawan said the assistance has a total amount of P3.8 million.
“The DOST-CEST Program provides interventions with the main goal of improving the quality of life of people residing in conflict-stricken and underprivileged areas,” he emphasized.
Together with the Philippine Army, other organizations in the province which entered into the same agreement are the Ashlei Research Training Assessment and Tourism Center, Ginatilan Mushroom Growers Association, and Arakan Strawberry Growers Association.
Based on the data of the DOST-Cotabato, a total of 15 organizations had already inked a memorandum of agreement with the DOST for the implementation of the CEST program.
On Thursday, May 4, four organizations signed a MOA as beneficiaries of the said program. Also set to benefit from the CEST program are the New Rizal Social Action Farmers Association, Mamalangcap Community, Barangay Tapodoc People’s Organization, and Mimbalawag Coffee Farmers Organization.
The total fund for the implementation of the program for these four beneficiaries is P4.2 million.
