The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has highlighted its various innovative programs that help improve the livelihoods of Mindanao residents.

In an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Thursday, Jan. 18, DOST Undersecretary Leah Buendia said one of the several programs the department has funded in Mindanao was the Sea Cucumber Research and Development Center located at Mindanao State University in Misamis Oriental.

She said dried sea cucumbers have "high value" especially in the international market with a price ranging from P8,000 to P10,000 per kilogram.

Buendia explained that sea cucumbers are one of the "most viable" species that can be found in Mindanao, which bring nutrition benefits and advantages to livelihood in the area particularly in the coastal communities.

"Around 427,500 fingerlings were already distributed to 62 local cooperatives and beneficiaries for them to be the ones to take care of the species," she said.

Meanwhile, Buendia said the fruits coming from Mindanao have "competitive edge," as there were technologies to be maximized by the farmers in improving the quality of fruits like "lansones" and "mangosteen."

"Mindanao has good soil that is why, DOST focuses in helping the area in producing fruits and vegetables," she pointed out.

Moreover, to reduce vehicle congestion, Buendia said DOST has a program called the "Light Edge Computer Vision Solution for Smart and Efficient Traffic Management" in the University of Science and Technology in Southern Philippines.

Buendia said the program seeks to develop a smart traffic monitoring system which will direct the traffic lights in its work to avoid congestions especially in the intersections.

She also encouraged scientists to submit proposals to be funded by DOST in helping Mindanao and the country to have further development through research, science, and technology.

"This is the opportunity to showcase the skills, abilities, and ingenuity of Filipinos," Buendia said.