IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through its Provincial Science and Technology Office of Zamboanga Sibugay, recently secured a P12.3 million funding for 12 science and technology projects under the Grants-In-Aid (GIA) program. 

The goal of the program is to promote economic growth and development by utilizing the country's scientific and technological capabilities. It seeks to increase output, raise Filipinos' standard of living, and support a number of industries, including research and development, technology transfer, development of human resources, and environmental preservation.

The goal of the program is to promote economic growth and development by utilizing the country's scientific and technological capabilities. It seeks to increase output, raise Filipinos' standard of living, and support a number of industries, including research and development, technology transfer, development of human resources, and environmental preservation.

The category that received the most support was Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST), as four projects were awarded a total of P7,766,660.00. The funds will be allocated to the LGUs of Mabuhay and Ipil, Mabuhay Agro-Industrial High School, and Nanan Multi-Purpose Cooperative to support the development of livelihoods, economic entrepreneurship, human resources, health, nutrition, education, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and environmental conservation.

To strengthen the promotion and information dissemination, the department approved three projects totaling P3,105,900.00. The budget beneficiaries include LGUs and organized groups, participants in the regional science and technology week, and a portion allocated for establishing the province's first-of-its-kind Science Centrum—an informal yet exciting learning environment for visitors of all ages.

Under the support for human resource development or education category, P511,527.50 was allocated for three projects. Through capacity building and technology transfer, these projects seek to enhance the knowledge and skills of personnel, which will benefit both internal DOST personnel and external organizations such as the Zamboanga Sibugay Polytechnic Institute.

A project valued at P507,158.00 was approved under the support to industry/MSMEs category in recognition of the industry's critical role in promoting growth. The Del Monte Coconut Farmers and Credit Cooperatives in the town of Buug will benefit from this funding, contributing to job creation, increased productivity, process improvement, and additional revenue.

Under the community-based category, Hanapbuhay Para sa Kinabukasan Association, under the livelihood project of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), will receive a budget of P481,868.00. This aims to empower the community through sustainable bakery production, integrating scientific and technological methods to boost productivity and development engagement.

The commitment of DOST-9 towards development reflects a milestone in the province's journey towards inclusive growth and sustainable development through science, technology, and innovation. This development signals Zamboanga Sibugay's progress toward a brighter and more technologically advanced future. (KSA/EDT/RBI/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)