In the morning of Jan. 11, 2022, the DOST team climbed the mountain barangay of Cantugbas, Maria, Siquijor for the Cantugbas Women’s Association (CWA) as recipient of DOST Community Empowerment through Science and Technology program on meat processing.
CWA’s members recalled Odette’s onslaught was more a challenge mentally than physically. The ordeal of being anxious for six hours while Odette was punishing was a mental torture.
As for the project, the only damage obtained was a partial destruction of the roof of its meat processing building.
Sangguniang Bayan Member of MLGU-Maria, Roselyn Asok, said: “I am thankful to DOST-Siquijor with the team of Engr. Mario de la Peńa. It has always been my advocacy to help advance the livelihood programs in Maria through the help of government agencies among which is DOST. Not only in times of plenty, but also in times of wanting that I find DOST to be with us. Thank God for the bread from the heart of DOST.”
Engr. Mario de la Peńa noted with gratitude the positive attitude of the members of CWA in pursuing the project of DOST. “Please take good care of it as much as you care for your future,” he said.
With the presence of Aldrin Daguman, Maria’s PESO manager and his staff, Asok, the members of CWA, DOST team, and some residents nearby, the rendezvous was a happy revival of the human spirit.
There was laughter, and there was healthy silence while each one took a bite of the nutribun as a soft breeze kissed the farm.
A member of CWA said: “Lami kaayo ang nutribun. Nindot iyang templada, homot, og bug-at. Enjoy kaayo ko nagkaon (The nutribun is delicious. The taste is perfect, smells good, and very filling. I enjoyed taking a bite.” (Engr. Mario De la Peña and Jose Aldous Arbon II, DOST-Siquijor)
