Six identified conflict-vulnerable communities in Zamboanga Peninsula were awarded grants for Science and Technology (S&T) assistance by the Department of Science and Technology Region IX (DOST-IX).
This aims to establish as well as improve S&T-based livelihood in the said areas.Â
DOST-IX added these interventions are expected to provide sustainable, income generating opportunities for its beneficiaries, and to discourage poverty-driven recruitment campaigns by militant groups. Â
DOST-IX allocated a total of P4,814,500 for S&T Programs and Projects directed toward the advancement of conflict-vulnerable areas identified by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in Region IX.
Included in the package is the establishment of a coco-water vinegar processing facility in the Province of Zamboanga del Norte (ZDN); provision of water ceramic filters to communities in Nasibac and Titik in Leon Postigo, ZDN; enhancement of Pangase wine processing in Sindangan; acquisition of rice mill equipment for beneficiaries in the Municipality of Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur (ZdS); acquisition of salted fish processing technology for the women of Barangay Dimalinao, ZDS; and acquisition of mechanical dryer and rice mill equipment for beneficiaries in Tigbao, ZDS.
DOST-IX is also set to provide assistance to ELCAC communities in Zamboanga Sibugay Province – the Guinoman Farmers Association will receive a mechanically upgraded palay drying facility; the Alsa Masa Service Provider Association will be provided with a food processing technology training; and the locals of Balagon in Siay with a rice and corn mill facility.
In Region I, the Ilocos Sur S&T Center conducted a skills training on Honeybee Culture for the people in nine barangays in the Municipality of Cervantes, Ilocos Sur (an identified ELCAC area) and provided the latter with bee colonies to start their livelihood.
Moreover, Brgy. Bugnay in the City of Candon (another ELCAC area) was provided with Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter to improve their rice production in the first cropping season.