KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST XII) has extended upgrading projects and interventions under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program that provide for the technological needs of Sesotunawa, a community-based enterprise in Sitio Lamdel, Poblacion, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

Sesotunawa is inspired by a special kind of virtue lived out by the Tboli people of Lake Sebu. Sesotunawa extends beyond the community of the Tboli. This sense of community is also alive among those who work alongside the Tboli people. Those who share the same vision of a sustainable cultural and social enterprise.

As part of the implementation of CEST Program in the province of South Cotabato, the DOST-XII assisted the Sesotunawa under the project title “Provision of Technological Interventions for Brass and Accessories Processing at Sesotunawa, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.” 

The project aims to empower the community and assist in the processing of their product, thereby cultivating sustainable individual and community development in the understanding of their values, skills, capabilities, and talents by creating livelihood opportunities to create jobs and generate income with appropriate technology interventions.

“Ang DOST XII sa pamumuno ng ating butihin na Regional Director, Engr. Sammy P. Malawan ay handang tumulong at magbigay ng mga technological interventions lalung-lao na sa kabuhayan ng indigenous people ng Lake Sebu,” Engr. Mahdali R. Alonto, director of PSTO South Cotabato, said.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed on 28 October 2021 to pave way for the implementation of the said project. Gracing the ceremonial signing of the MOA held at ILS, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato were  community leader Joel P. Blunto; DOST XII chief of the Administrative Services Division, Engr. Normina P. Pahm; Technical Services Division, OIC Engr. Szalinah P. Mercado and South Cotabato PSTO director, Engr. Mahdali R. Alonto.