CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The Department of Science and Technology-10thru the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) in Bukidnon turnovers 3.5M grant to LGU Talakag, relevant to its continues implementation of the Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) program in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantages Areas (GIDA) in Bukidnon.

The said grant is in addition to the 2.8M worth of CEST projects which was turned over during the first quarter of the year 2021.

It will be allotted to the five additional CEST projects in which Indigenous People and Women’s Organization will benefit.

The project includes the provision of vacuum packaging technology for value –adding and shelf life of the commodities produced by Balugto “HOPE” Agroforestry Association Inc. of Brgy. San Miguel.

In the same barangay, MILFACO or the Miarayon–Lapok–Lirongan–Tinaytayan Tribal Association (MILALITTRA) Farmers Agriculture Cooperative is another group of IPs who is the recipient of the coffee processing equipment such as roasting machine, grinding machine, impulse heat sealer and more to improve the quality of their coffee for export. Moreover, a hydro steam distillation technology for citronella oil processing shall be granted to PALAG Mindanao Inc. in Brgy. Tagbak, which aims to provide alternative livelihood to the IP communities and neighboring sitios of the Barangay.

Meanwhile, DOST will also upgrade the existing carrot juice processing facility thru the acquisition of additional equipment such as industrial juicer and upright display chiller for another livelihood opportunity for the Rural Improvement Club (RIC), a women organization composed of IPs and unemployed mothers of Miarayon. 

Also included in the lists of projects is the embroidery technology for the Kababayin-an Kaabag sa Kalambuan (KKK), an all-women organization in Talakag. This intends to develop existing skills of unemployed and retired women, including those from the IP and marginalized sectors from various barangays while revitalizing embroidery in garment making.

Aside from the equipment, trainings relevant to each project shall also be provided by DOST to ensure that beneficiaries has the capacity to manage and sustain the program which will greatly contribute to the economic and social growth of the municipality.

The implementation of the CEST program of DOST is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal no. 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere. The program focuses on the GIDA and identified ELCAC areas and is guided by its 5 entry points: Health, Human Resource Development, Economic Development, DRRM and Environmental Protection.

For more information about CEST and DOST programs in Bukidnon, you may visit Vicente Neri St., Malaybalay City or you may send your email at bukidnon@region10.dost.gov.ph. (DOST Bukidnon/PIA-10)