The COVID-19 pandemic did not hinder the initiative of scholars from the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) after they launched different service projects in Region I.
DOST-SEI said that conduct of a webinar series to deepen the civic leadership and humanitarianism among the their patriot scholars in the new normal has helped a lot in creating and implementing the initiatives and projects in the different sectors.
As for the public service sector that is headed by the Ilocos Region, three projects were implemented by the scholars namely PailaJuan, YouthCheck, and YACAP.
The PailaJuan project is basically rural electrification, which aims to lessen the number of Filipino households that still have no access to electricity, and to provide a safe environment that is conducive for learning and working in this trying time.
It is being pioneered by the Movement of Ilocos Norte DOST Scholars (MINDS) in the province of Ilocos Norte with the help of their partner university, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and with other organizations such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC). In addition, MINDS has an existing project, which is an eco-brick urban garden in Barangay Barani, Batac City that is also presented in the agriculture sector.
Meanwhile, “YouthCheck: Kamustahan at Palitan ng Karunungan” is a webinar series about the timely issues for the youths, which includes voters’ education guide, mental health awareness, and responsible usage of the internet.
This project is being led by the Dakilang Anak ng La Union para sa Matematika, Agham, at Teknolohiya (DALUMAT). They conducted their first webinar entitled, “Registration Process and Voters Education Guide for 2022 Election,” with the help of the DOST-RO1 and COMELEC last Dec. 10, 2020.
On the other hand, project YACAP which stands for “Youth Advocacy in Caring for the Aged and PWD,” is a two-part initiative comprised of the Pamasko for EveryJuan and the Project Ginhawa para kay Lolo at Lola (GILL).
The Pamasko for EveryJuan is the gift giving of the scholars to one child/senior citizen/PWD in their own barangay during the holiday season, while the Project GILL is geared towards the well-being of the senior citizens as the scholars will provide the necessities and will volunteer their time in foster care facilities.