SUPPORT PEACE IN MINDANAO Out-of-school youths receive solar-powered vending carts

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-10 and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) turned over four solar-powered vending carts to out-of-school youths here.

The donation is part of the “Build Back Vending Cart” project and benefitted out-of-school youths under the USAID Opportunity 2.0 program who were graduates of the design thinking and entrepreneurial boot camp organized by USAID and the Economic Development Council of the Philippine Business for Education.

In addition to the training, beneficiaries also underwent a food safety seminar to guide them on the safe and proper way to prepare their products.

“Ang nakadawat ani kay ang mga out-ofschool youth nga gusto magnegosyo. Kani dako nga tabang sa ila para mapirmanente nila ilang negosyo ug naa na sila'y steady nga pingabuhian at least bahala ginagmay basta kanunay nga income nga makatabang sa pang-adlaw-adlaw nila nga panginahanglan,” said DOST-10 Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Engr. Romela Ratilla.

The cart is compliant with health safety protocols and is equipped with a solar panel that can generate 100 watts, a hand washing area, a food preparation area, a drinking water outlet, and a bicycle, amounting P70,000.

For their part, EDC youth development coordinator Kotie Bax reminded the youth beneficiaries to be focused on their goals in life, have positive habits in life, and make God part of their business to help them become successful in their endeavors. She also urged the youth beneficiaries to spread the word to fellow out-ofschool youths about the program so that they too can avail of it.

The DOST-10 also urged the youth to participate in wealth creation by starting to think about business. It said the outof-school youths should not lose hope and should strive hard to change their way of life since there are many opportunities and programs that the government and USAID are offering. (JAKA)