In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD Region 2), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 2 office has awarded a total of P1-million grants-in-aid funds to three people’s associations in Nueva Vizcaya under its Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program.
The grants seek to upgrade the socio-economic conditions of the 168 CEST beneficiaries of DOST’s “Intervention on Livelihood Operations by Valuing Entrepreneurship through Science and Technology (ILOVE S&T) for 4Ps Beneficiaries” project that will run for a year.
The funds will help provide the necessary equipment and related needs for the beneficiaries’ pineapple and ginger processing and baking tools, in addition to which, DOST Region 02 will also equip them with technical expertise and technical know-how thru consultancy services.
The beneficiaries are members of new CEST communities identified as the Cabuaan Ginger Association in Bayombong, Pineapple Farmer’s Association in Dupax del Norte, and the Bua Indigenous Association in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.
DOST R02 Regional Director Virginia G. Bilgera said it is projected that with S&T interventions, there will be an increase in the beneficiaries’ “production by at least 10%, develop new food products and eventually, improve their economic status.”
The recent GIA funds awarding rites were held in Kasibu Nueva Viscaya. Present during the event were DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST R02 Regional Director Virginia G. Bilgera, DSWD Regional Director Cezario Joel C. Espejo, PSTC NV Provincial Director Jonathan R. Nuestro and Association Presidents. (#dostPH#DOSTRegion02#ScienceForThePeople . DOST Pstc Nueva Vizcaya)