DOST implements CEST projects in 15 ELCAC barangays in Kalinga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 27, 2020): DOST implements CEST projects in 15 ELCAC barangays in Kalinga (By Peter A. Balocnit) 

CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga, Nov. 27 (PIA) - - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is implementing Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) projects in 15 End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) barangays in the province.

These various projects approved by DOST cover economic development, health and nutrition, human resource development, environment protection and conservation, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRRM-CCA) entry points.

Total projects cost PhP2, 297,989.06 including PhP439, 400.00 local government unit counterpart. DOST approved requested budget sums up to PhP1, 858,589.06.

Proponent beneficiaries are barangays Mabaca, Balantoy, Gawaan, Ababaan, Daoangan, Maling in Balbalan; Tanglag, Western Uma, Upper Uma, and Lower Uma in Lubuagan; Baay, Apatan, Wagod and Ammacian in Pinukpuk and Guinaang in Pasil.

DOST Provincial Science and Technology Center Specialist Engineer Ralf Sapi-il, in his presentation during the National Science and Technology Week at the Davidson Hotel, said the implementation started third quarter of this year and targeted for completion by second quarter of 2021.

Technology trainings are being implemented in barangays Daoangan, Maling, Gawaan, and Lower Uma; skills training on food processing in Upper Uma; soap making, black smith in Western Uma; skills training on soap making packaging and labeling in Gawaan; skills training on bread pastry in Guinaang while Apatan and Ammacian are for 120 days supplemental feeding of children.

Sapi-il said some ELCAC barangays in the municipalities of Balbalan, Lubuagan and Pasil opted for the deployment of RxBox while others proposed STARBOOKS with solar panel, and laboratory analysis for water.

The RxBox project aims to provide rural health units in identified Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas with a medical device that can be used for diagnostic procedures as well as Electronic Medical Record which can be utilized for the storage and referral of clients' medical records.

Pinukpuk and Pasil CEST communities also requested for the conduct of forum on DRRM and CCA and training while

Tanglag in Lubuagan proposed equipment for solid waste management, Ababaan proposed for hand-held i-com and radio base while Baay for flood early warning system. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060281