The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) has launched a “bayanihan” initiative wherein the products of science and technology (S&T) programs by state universities and colleges (SUCs) and government agencies will be distributed to their communities.
The DOST-PCAARRD virtually launched “Lingkod Alalay sa Pamayanan” (LINGAP) or the “community pantry” of S&T products on Friday, July 30.
“In Filipino, the word “lingap” corresponds to compassion, providing attention, or the act of taking care of someone. This is the main concept of LINGAP,” said DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña in his message.
“I hope that through this initiative, government agencies become inspired and follow suit.”
Under LINGAP, the SUCs and government agencies in Ifugao, La Union, Samar, and Laguna work together to share products of S&T initiatives to their respective communities.
“The initiative mimics the community pantry concept, wherein the harvests and other products of the partner agencies will be distributed to its communities,” the DOST-PCAARRD said.
“Donors from the community are also welcome to contribute other food and non-food products to be distributed.”
It was the Council that conceptualized and organized the initiative.
Involved in the initiative were the Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) of DOST-PCAARRD: Ifugao State University (IFSU), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), Samar State University (SSU), and Bureau of Plant Industry-Los Baños National Crop Research, Development and Production Support Center (BPI-LBNCRDPSC).
DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora noted that the bayanihan initiative is one of the components of the Good Agri-Aqua Livelihood Initiatives towards National Goals or GALING-PCAARRD Kontra COVID-19 program, which is the Council’s response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in accordance with Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, popularly known as Bayanihan 1.
DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development (R&D) Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said LINGAP is only part of the agency’s initiatives in terms of responding to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is only the start of introducing the gains of S&T to our fellow Filipinos,” she said.
“I hope that this initiative will flourish and expand to more locations in the country,” she added.