The DOST-Benguet with the Commission on Audit – CAR team conducted monitoring to check the status of the Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) projects and SETUP beneficiaries in Kapangan, Kibungan, Tublay, Sablan and City of Baguio on August 10-12, 2022.
On the first day, the team reached Lao-angan Barrio School located at Barangay Gadang, Kapangan through a three-hour hike. The multi-grade school is a beneficiary of the DOST – Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS) -a digital library that provides Science, Math and other learning resources. It can be operated with out an internet connection. The assistance is hoped to benefit atleast 35 students and for teachers’ references.
Other areas visited in the municipality of Kapangan include Barangay Beleng – Belis. The Barangay was provided with Ceramic Water Filters since the water samples collected in the area were tested and not safe for drinking. The CWFs are set to be distributed to identified households to be used for potable water.
Further, Pudong Elementary School located at Pudong, Kapangan was provided with DOST-STARBOOKS. The unit was fallen due to the earthquake on July 27, 2022. Fortunately, this was repaired by DOST-Benguet staff, ready for use in the upcoming the face to face classes. Also, the Governor Bado Dangwa Industrial school was also assisted through the provision of baking equipment for their Technology Livelihood Education.
In the municipality of Kibungan, the team visited the coffee processing of the Kibungan Arabica Growers Multipurpose Cooperative. The DOST provided Coffee roaster to the Cooperative, which enables them to attain desired roasting and improve the quality of their coffee.
Meanwhile in the municipality of Tublay, another CEST beneficiary, was provided with radio communication network to be distributed to the barangays to strengthen their disaster risk reduction management.
In the municipality of Sablan, the team visited the coffee and cacao processing which DOST assisted through the provision of production equipment.
Other projects visited include SETUP beneficiaries – Jude Eli Machine Shop in Sablan, Twin Jade Mae Fashion – textile embroidery and Gift of Grace -kimchi processing in Baguio City.
(The following photos will somehow bring you to the community and school beneficiaries👇).
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