M’LANG, Cotabato Province (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region 12 continues to strengthen its support for vulnerable groups through science and technology interventions under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program.
As one of the department’s flagship programs, the CEST aims to build progressive, empowered, and resilient rural communities.
Dr. Michael T. Mayo, DOST-Cotabato Province’s provincial director, emphasizes the success of projects based on their duration, sustainability, and the commitment of beneficiaries and local government units.
“At DOST 12, we emphasize the importance of maintaining continuous linkages and networks with beneficiaries and local government units,” Mayo said.
Under the leadership and support of Engr. Sammy Malawan, the regional director of the DOST in Region 12, the program’s efforts to intensify its implementation and assist vulnerable groups have become evident following this year’s National Best CEST Award.
The Rural Community of M’lang, with five CEST community beneficiaries, is the department’s winning entry. The beneficiaries of this project include persons with disabilities (PWD) from the M’lang Association, who are part of the Upgrading of Bakery and Establishment of Water Refilling and Calamansi Juice Processing project; the New Rizal Social Action Farmers Association, whose project title is From Farm to Citronella-Infused Products: Science and Technology Interventions for Citronella Farmers; and the Barangay Dunguan Community, whose project title is Empowering Muslim Communities in M’lang, Cotabato for Inclusive and Sustainable Development: A Multi-Sectoral Approach.
The M’lang United Bangsamoro Women Association, whose project title is Preserving Culture by Developing the Garments and Handicraft Enterprise of MUBWA, and the M’lang United Solo Parents Association, whose project title is Provision of Meat Processing Livelihood to Empower MUSPA, are also among the beneficiaries.
These projects are in line with the components of the CEST program, which are: livelihood/economic development; health and nutrition; environmental protection and conservation; disaster risk reduction and management/climate change adaptation; and education/human resource development.
Mary Ann Cortado, M’lang Public Employment Service Office manager, expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the community’s promotion of science and technology interventions, resulting in the national award.
She highlighted that the implementation of the CEST program primarily aims to usher change and uplift the lives of the vulnerable sectors in their municipality.
“We implement programs particularly to touch people’s lives, especially the most disadvantaged sectors of our society,” she said.
The rural community of M’lang won over 15 other entries from various regions, receiving a plaque of recognition and P300,000.
The DOST has also designated M’lang as a priority area in Cotabato Province for the implementation of its Smart and Sustainable Communities Program. (SJDM – PIA Cotabato Province)
