Today, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) participated in the preparatory and coordinative meeting for the upcoming “Serbisyong Totoo Caravan” in the Province of Cotabato. The caravan is part of the government’s efforts to implement Executive Order No. 70 or “The Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict” (ELCAC).
As part of the government’s commitment to bring inclusive development to conflict-affected areas, the Serbisyong Totoo Caravan will provide various services and programs to ELCAC barangays in Cotabato Province. These include medical and dental missions, livelihood and skills training, and distribution of agricultural inputs and equipment.
DOST will be participating in the caravan through its Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program. The CEST Program aims to provide scientific and technological interventions that can improve the quality of life of communities in conflict-affected areas.
During the meeting, DOST officials discussed the specific interventions that they will be providing through the CEST Program. These include the installation of solar-powered streetlights, the distribution of water filtration systems, and the conduct of technology training on food processing, provision of DOST-STARBOOKS, and handicraft-making.
DOST XII Regional Director, Engr. Sammy P. Malawan represented by PSTO Cotabato expressed his commitment to support the government’s efforts in addressing the challenges in conflict-affected areas. He emphasized that the Community Empowerment thru Science & Technology Program aims to empower communities through science and technology and that the interventions provided are tailored to the specific needs of the communities.
The Serbisyong Totoo Caravan is just one of the many initiatives being undertaken by the government under the leadership of Governor Emmylou Lala Taliño-Mendoza to bring peace and development to conflict-affected areas. With the participation of DOST through its CEST Program, the government hopes to provide sustainable and innovative solutions that can improve the quality of life of the people in these areas.
DOST – Regional Operations