IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has recently provided funding assistance to two municipalities in Zamboanga Sibugay as part of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program.

The local government unit (LGU) of Mabuhay received a check for P2.5 million  for the implementation of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) interventions. These interventions include the establishment of a charcoal briquetting production technology, that will convert organic waste into charcoal briquets which the community could sell.

DOST is also planning to put up Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Kiosk Stations (Starbooks), Versatile Instrumentation System for Science Education and Research (VISSER) to four schools in Mabuhay to address the lack of science and technology learning and instructional materials for students.

Also included in the implementation of the project is the installation of a tsunami warning device. Mabuhay is among the identified tsunami-prone areas in Zamboanga Sibugay, and the provision of the device is expected to be the first in the province.

LGU-Ipil also received P2.4 million fund assistance to focus on solid waste management. The funds will be used to establish a dual drum composter in five pilot barangays, along with the deployment of STARBOOKS and VISSER to three identified schools in Ipil town.  Additionally, a three-month school-based feeding program for undernourished preschoolers in five identified schools will be integrated into the project implementation. 

“The approval of these CEST projects for the Municipalities of Ipil and Mabuhay is a clear indication of DOST’s continuous commitment to strengthen and support the sustainable development of our local communities through Science, Technology, and Innovation. We have already assisted communities in other municipalities in the past years, and the DOST - Provincial Science and Technology Office intends to empower more communities in the coming years, reaching out to all 16 municipalities in the province,” said Jennifer A. Pidor , Provincial Science and Technology Director for DOST– Provincial Science and Technology Office-Zamboanga Sibugay.

“For Zamboanga Sibugay, our Office is serious in making a significant difference in the lives of the Sibugaynons, one CEST project at a time,” she added.

CEST is a flagship program of the DOST designed to bring sustainable development to communities across the country. (NBE/EDT/JPA/Zamboanga Sibugay)