DOST assists 9 community-based projects in MP

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Nine existing community-based projects in the province are assisted by the Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST-CAR) through the provision of needed technology and equipment.

Provincial Science and Technology Center data shows DOST-CAR has approved this year assistance to nine community-based projects with a total worth of P2, 833, 5458.00.

The amount appropriated to each project was used for the acquisition/fabrication of the approved equipment/machines based on the identified needs of the project to help increase productivity, improve product quality, and strengthen product market competitiveness.

Approved projects include the enhancing of solid waste management of Bontoc local government unit (LGU) – Phase II and the Sagada LGU, and establishment of metal fabrication livelihood project at the Mountain Province District Jail.

Three projects are in the municipality of Bauko namely improving the productivity and marketability of banana products of the Mayag Women for Development Association in barangay Mayag; enhancement of roasted chicken production of the Care Group Organization in barangay Mabaay, and the upgrading of soybean products production center and provision of laboratory analysis, packaging and labeling of the Otucan Sur People’s Organization, Inc. Pey-asen Farmers Group.

In the municipality of Besao are the community-based sugar cane production and processing of the Maliten Small Scale Mining Association, Inc. in barangay Laylaya, and the enhancement of communitybased muscovado processing of the Gueday Refo Association Inc. in barangay Gueday.

Another project is the enhancement of muscovado processing of Guesang Farmers Organization, Inc in barangay Banga-an in Sagada.

For the successful implementation of the project, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) is entered into

by and between the LGUs represented by the local chief executives and the DOSTCAR represented by the Regional Director, and the organization/association beneficiaries represented by the president.

The LGUs assist the DOST-CAR through the Provincial Science and Technology Center in monitoring the project to ensure that the purpose of the project is attained.

The MOA takes effect immediately upon signing by the parties and remains in force, unless the equipment are donated to LGU or terminated by DOSTCAR or any other party.