Empowering Nanan community: DOST-IX funds ?2.8M to upgrade chocolate processing and science education in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay
The Department of Science and Technology Office No. IX (DOST-IX), through its Provincial Science and Technology Office – Zamboanga Sibugay Province (PSTO-ZSP), successfully turned over the funding assistance to Nanan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (NMPC) amounting to ?2,894,975.00 under the project, “Community Empowerment through Science & Technology for Barangay Nanan, Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay (CEST-Nanan)” of the DOST’s CEST Program.
The said assistance will fund the upgrading of the Chocolate / Tablea Processing Facility of Nanan Multi-Purpose Cooperative. It aims to increase its production capacity by at least 200%, allowing for higher volumes of chocolate / tablea production to meet growing demand and market opportunities.
On one hand, to produce Science and Technology (S&T)-inclined learners, the deployment of Science and Technology Academic and Research Based Openly Operated Kiosk Stations (STARBOOKS) are included in the assistance granted. These learning / instructional materials are to be given to Nanan National High School and Nanan Elementary School. STARBOOKS is one of the flagship programs of the Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII).
Furthermore, a Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Orientation will be integrated into the project implementation. This orientation will be conducted by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to equip the residents with comprehensive knowledge, practical skills, and a proactive mindset to effectively anticipate, respond to, and recover from various types of disasters.
CEST is one of the banner programs of the DOST, implemented by DOST regional offices, that aims to deliver sustainable development to various communities nationwide through the provision of S&T interventions along the five CEST entry points, i.e. Livelihood, Health and Nutrition, Environmental Protection and Conservation, Education, and Disaster Risk Reduction Management.