The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has intensified its provision of livelihood assistance to various groups in Central Luzon under its Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) program.
According to DOST Project Assistant III John Lerry Bautista, this was in response to the United Nations’ call through Sustainable Development Goals to address the widespread problem of poverty in the world.
“Using science and technology, CEST provides technical assistance to community beneficiaries to improve living standards, improve health and nutrition, promote sound and progressive education, and protect the environment and prepare for disasters,” he said.
From 2018 to 2021, DOST has launched projects in 63 municipalities, assisted 467 customers, and conducted 1,771 interventions.
Among their livelihood initiatives include provision of cashew processing, fish processing facility and fish cages, community gardening, and production of free-range chickens.
Bautista said that for this year, the agency identified 33 municipalities, with 10 new communities as program beneficiaries, with projects focusing on the theme ‘Strengthening Local Disaster Preparedness and Post Pandemic Recovery Capacities of Central Luzon Community’.
He said the DOST has also developed products like rice monggo baby food blend, malunggay noodles, and nutribun that is used to provide nutritious meals during feeding programs.
“Since 2019, we have developed a technology called the disaster preparedness kit. This contains Disaster Risk Reduction and Management lessons and training programs, solar panels, radios, and tablets which barangays can to elevate and enhance their knowledge on disaster preparedness,” Bautista said.