The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Santol, La Union, signed the Memorandum of Agreement in cooperation with the implementation of the “Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST)” program of DOST on June 28, 2021.
Present during the virtual signing ceremony were the DOST representatives, Regional Director Dr. Armando Q. Ganal, Assistant Regional Director for Field Operations Dr. Ismael D. Gurtiza, DOST provincial S&T director Mr. Jonathan M. Viernes; from DMMMSU, University President, Dr. Jaime I. Manuel Jr., Vice President for Research and Extension, Dr. Cynthia Rodriguez; the delegates from the LGU of Santol, La Union, were headed by Honorable Mayor, Engr. Magno A. Wailan, Vice-Mayor Monico O. Oriente, the whole council member, and the three beneficiaries of the CEST program, Sasaba, Sapdaan, and Lettac Sur, represented by their respective Punong Barangays namely Paciano A. Libuten, Francisco D. Banasan, and Lito T. Sacpa.
The MOA signing aimed to seal ties between the three parties to promote S&T intervention to mitigate concerns on health and nutrition, water sanitation, and environmental protection and conservation. Basic education and literacy, hazard mitigation and climate change adaption, and livelihood/economic enterprise development to alleviate poverty and help boost the economic growth of the LGU together with the three (3) barangays stated above.
The signing of the agreement signifies the strong will to cooperate, to facilitate and implement the CEST program.
During the virtual signing ceremony, Dr. Armando Q. Ganal addresses the problems associated with the five priority areas, especially to communities that are difficult to access, and that the DOST, in coordination with the partner SUC (DMMMSU), will provide a mitigation intervention to lessen the severity of the status.
Engr. Magno A. Wailan acknowledged that there is a need for improvement, especially on education and livelihood. He added that they are willing to welcome assistance from the DOST and DMMMSU to help in the five areas, and they are also willing to build facilities to support the CEST program.
Dr. Jaime I. Manuel Jr gave an assurance to provide the help that the beneficiary needs for the improvement of their respective communities. They are more than happy to help in the province of La Union and the whole Region 1.
Furthermore, Dr. Ismael D. Gurtiza, in his closing remarks, congratulated the chosen beneficiary and reiterated that CEST is a program that helps to reduce the rate of poverty using Science and Technology interventions which are the foundation for economic growth. (Erwin F. Carino, DOST-1)
Photos | DOST – 1