To empower the most economically challenged communities and improve the quality of life through Science and Technology in the Province of Pangasinan, the Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST 1) through the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) - Pangasinan has expanded its implementation of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program to Dagupan City for 2023.
The three (3) island communities identified by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dagupan City to be the CEST beneficiaries are Sitio Patalan of Brgy. Pantal, Sitio Talaib of Brgy. Calmay and Sitio Tukok of Brgy. Lucao.
The DOST 1 through the PSTO- Pangasinan in partnership with the Pangasinan State University (PSU), Universidad de Dagupan (UdD), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Provincial Fisheries Office – Pangasinan (BFAR PFO-PANG) conducted a community needs assessment (CNA) on March 2-3, 2023.
DOST 1 core group led by the CEST Project Leader Mr. Decth-1180 P. Libunao spearheaded the CNA together with DOST-PSTO Pangasinan Director Engr. Arnold C. Santos, BFAR Fishing Regulation Officer I Mr. Chris B. Cantor, PSU Director for Extension Services Office Dr. Armando D. Junio, UdD Director of Research Services Dr. Ruby Rosa Cruz, UdD Director for Special Projects Mr. Conrad Quintos III with PSU and UdD experts.
“The CEST program will be launched with an aim to combat poverty and promote resiliency among marginalized communities.” said Mr. Libunao. Also, he mentioned the cooperation and participation of the community in giving information as they are with the planning of proper interventions that will be given to them. “Magtulungan tayo para may maiwan kaming footprints sa community (Let’s work together so we can leave footprints in the community).”
CEST Program aims to empower the poor and the marginalized sector and to improve their quality of living through science and technology. Packaged S&T interventions are focused on Health and Nutrition, Water and Sanitation, Basic Education and Literacy, Economic Enterprise & Development, and Disaster Risk Reduction/ Climate Change Mitigation.
The data gathered will be consolidated and will be used in crafting the field study report. This field study report will serve as the basis for the provision and deployment of appropriate Science & Technology-Based Interventions to alleviate poverty in the less privileged communities of Dagupan, Pangasinan.
