The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) through the DOST Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Center (DOST Siquijor PSTC) led by Provincial S&T Director Engr. Mario E. de la Peña turned over checks under the Grants-In-Aid (GIA) program of DOST to three Community Empowerment Through Science and Technology (CEST) projects in the Province of Siquijor on July 8, 2021.
The first among the three recipients was the Women’s Organization Nurturing for Development and Economic Recovery (WONDER) Association through Association President Egloria Corectico and Association Vice President Clarita Solicar for the project entitled “Upgrading of the food processing technology of WONDER, San Juan, Siquijor in their meat production and torta making activities through-Community Empowerment through Science and Technology."
The fund aims to cover expenses for the acquisition of additional equipment for the cooperative such as stand-up refrigerator, display chest freezer, oven with accessories, stainless steel working table, kitchen aide mixer, stainless steel racks, meat grinder, stainless steel mixing bowl, stainless steel dish drainer, and kitchen wares and utensils.
A portion of the funds will also be spent for product packaging and labelling materials and for the conduct of trainings and seminars and product laboratory analyses.
The second community was the Catulayan Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CCMPC) through Cooperative General Manager Alexander Lagrimas, Cooperative Secretary Charie Roquera, and Cooperative BFT Head Virginia Lapac for the Community Empowerment Through Science and Technology (CEST) project entitled “Upgrading the Beef Processing Technology of Catulayan Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative-Community Empowerment through Science and Technology Program."
The project aims to upgrade the capacity of the cooperative in producing and selling the best quality processed beef products to contribute to the economy of Siquijor Province for food sufficiency through the CEST program.
The fund will cover expenses for the acquisition of additional equipment for the cooperative such as dehydration machine, display chest freezer, stainless steel display racks, and stainless steel meat grinder/mincer.
A portion of the fund will also be spent for product packaging and labelling materials and for the conduct of trainings and seminars and product laboratory analyses.
The third recipient was the Kababayen-an Alang sa Paglambo sa Nasudnong Industriya sa Gatas (KAPANIG) Multi-Purpose Cooperative for the project entitled “Fresh milk processing technology upgrading of KAPANIG for enhancement of quality cows’ milk products to increase productivity and boost community livelihood” to upgrade the capacity and efficiency of fresh milk and flavored milk processing of the cooperative for increased productivity and livelihood of the organization to be able contribute to the economy of Siquijor Province for food sufficiency through CEST Program.
The funds will cover expenses for the acquisition of additional equipment for the cooperative such as pasteurizer, display chest freezer, oven with accessories, stainless steel tank, and kitchen aide mixer.
Part of the funds will also be spent for product packaging and labelling materials and for the conduct of trainings and seminars. (Engr. Joelline Ann Ates, SRA & IO designate/DOST Siquijor PSTC S&T Media Service)
