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Driving Inclusive Progress: DOST XII Turns Over CEST Project in Tapodoc, North Cotabato
July 18, 2024
by DOST XII - Cotabato Provincial Office
Inclusivity in our communities isnβt just about opening doors; itβs about ensuring everyone has a seat at the table, voices heard, and opportunities to thrive together. Driven by its vision of inclusive progress, the DOST XII - Department of Science and Technology - Region XII officially turned over the Community Empowerment thru Science & Technology (CEST) Project in Tapodoc, Aleosan, Cotabato, on July 18, 2024. This project aims to empower local communities by leveraging science and technology to address various socio-economic challenges.
The community of Tapodoc received a solar-powered water system and a unit of STARBOOKS. The solar-powered water system will provide a sustainable and reliable source of potable water, addressing a critical need for clean drinking water in the community. This intervention falls under the health and nutrition component of the CEST, which aims to improve public health outcomes and ensure access to basic necessities. The DOST-STARBOOKS unit, a digital library developed by DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (STII), will give students of Tapodoc Elementary School access to a vast repository of science and technology information without needing internet connectivity. This is particularly valuable for Tapodoc, where internet access is limited, thus enhancing educational opportunities and supporting literacy and learning.
Following the turnover, Mr. Benjie Francisco, STARBOOKS Regional Project Assistant, conducted a comprehensive training session for the community on the proper use of STARBOOKS. The training aimed to familiarize residents with the functionalities of the digital library, ensuring they can effectively utilize this resource for educational and informational purposes. The session included demonstrations equipping the community with the knowledge needed to maximize the benefits of STARBOOKS.
DOST XII Regional Director Sammy Malawan, represented by Provincial Director PD Michael Ty Mayo, emphasized that through the CEST Program, DOST XII aims to promote inclusivity by prioritizing Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) and End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) communities. In partnership with Hon. Governor Emmylou Lala TaliΓ±o-Mendoza, DOST XII highlighted that this effort supports the Whole-of-Nation Approach, a peace and development strategy that seeks to prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services and social development packages in conflict-affected and vulnerable areas, fostering stability and growth.
This initiative aligns with DOSTβs mantra #OneDOST4U, which strives to make science and technology available, accessible, and relatable for everyone, ensuring that no one is left behind. By bringing science and technology interventions to remote and underserved communities, DOST aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, promoting inclusive development and enhancing the quality of life for all Filipinos.
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Source: https://www.facebook.com/StarbooksPH/posts/pfbid0rp19eVf9RkxTpgSg7M6Wrdmww8owtex3TDrPypU5WYHL3j4JUzFTPmGPHd131Fqrl