DOST Region I empowers 3 island communities in Dagupan City thru S&T program
To empower the most economically challenged communities and improve the quality of life through science and technology in the province of Pangasinan, the Department of Science and Technology Region I (DOST-I) through the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) - Pangasinan has expanded its implementation of the Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) program to Dagupan City for 2023.
The three (3) island communities identified by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dagupan City to be the CEST beneficiaries are Sitio Patalan of Barangay Pantal, Sitio Talaib of Barangay Calmay and Sitio Tukok of Barangay Lucao.
The DOST-I, through the PSTO- Pangasinan, is being implemented in partnership with the Pangasinan State University (PSU), Universidad de Dagupan (UdD), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Provincial Fisheries Office – Pangasinan (BFAR PFO-PANG). The initial activity was the conduct of a community needs assessment (CNA) held on March 2-3, 2023.
DOST-I core group led by the CEST Project Leader Decth-1180 P. Libunao spearheaded the CNA together with DOST-PSTO Pangasinan Director Engr. Arnold C. Santos, BFAR Fishing Regulation Officer I Chris B. Cantor, PSU Director for Extension Services Office Dr. Armando D. Junio, UdD Director of Research Services Dr. Ruby Rosa Cruz, UdD Director for Special Projects Conrad Quintos III with PSU and UdD experts.
“The CEST program will be launched with an aim to combat poverty and promote resiliency among marginalized communities.” said Libunao. Also, he mentioned the cooperation and participation of the community in giving information as they are important for the planning of proper interventions that will be given to them. “Magtulungan tayo para may maiwan kaming footprints sa community (Let’s work together so we can leave footprints in the community).”
The CEST program is one of the flagship programs of the DOST that aims to empower the poor and the marginalized sector and to improve their quality of living through science and technology. Packaged S&T interventions are focused on Health and Nutrition, Water and Sanitation, Basic Education and Literacy, Economic Enterprise & Development, and Disaster Risk Reduction/ Climate Change Mitigation. It is being implemented by the 16 regional offices of the DOST across the country.
The data gathered will be consolidated and will be used in crafting the field study report. This field study report will then serve as the basis for the provision and deployment of appropriate Science & Technology-Based Interventions to alleviate poverty in the less privileged communities of Dagupan, Pangasinan. (30)
By: Monique C. Esguerra
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