The Department of Science and Technology- Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) vows to assist more vulnerable communities in CAR through science, technology, and innovations after three (3) of its Provincial Science and Technology Centers (PSTCs) pledged their support in strengthening the implementation of programs and projects in the less privileged and far-flung communities in the region.
The PSTC Benguet, headed by its Provincial S&T Director, Sheila Marie Singa- Claver, recently pledged its commitment to help in the alleviation of poverty among vulnerable communities in the province of Benguet during the launching of project SILAW (Solar Installation among Locals to Advance their Welfare) on July 9,2020 at the Ben Palispis Hall, Provincial Capitol of Benguet. Project SILAW is a TESDA-led convergence activity that aims to provide electrification to focus barangays through the provision of solar panel systems.
In support to the Project SILAW, PSTC- Benguet shall also look into the provision of S&T interventions to the focus barangays of Anjafat, Tublay; Ibarangat-Lusod, Kabayan; Badeo, Kibungan; Barangays Toplac, Pudong, Laongang-Gadang, and Ampungot- Ampungot, in Sagubo, Kapangan.
Meanwhile, PSTC Mountain Province thru its Provincial S&T Director, Alfonso K. Berto also signed a pledge of commitment in support to the Project Environmental Sustainability through Ecological Kinetics (ESEK) during its launching on June 14, 2020 at the Multi-Purpose Bldg., Bontoc, Mountain Province.
The project ESEK will be piloted at Barangay Tamboan, Besao, Mountain Province, activities of which shall include training on Organic Agriculture Production particularly on organic vegetable, organic fertilizer, organic concoction, and organic poultry and swine raising. The PSTC- Mountain Province for its part, will be providing S&T interventions such as upgrading of equipment and other technical services to be identified.
The PSTC in Kalinga also joined in the Project Kapwa Ko, Lingkod Alay (KaLingA) to be conducted in Babalag West, Rizal as it signed a pledge of commitment during the project launching on July 21, 2020 at Governor’s Hall, Capitol Hills, Bulanao, Tabuk City, represented by its PSTC Director, Jasmin Donaal. The project’s major activities include entrepreneurship training, livelihood component, and aggrupation or association wherein beneficiaries will be trained on vegetable production, poultry production, carpentry and housing.
The SILAW, ESEK, and KaLingA projects were launched in the respective provinces by the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), wherein DOST-CAR is among its members. These projects were created in support to the government’s Executive Order (EO) No. 70, institutionalizing the whole- of- nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, and end local communist armed conflict in the country. (DOST-CAR w/ reports from PSTCs)