The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Western Visayas turned over and launched the ‘Pandayan Ng Bayan’ project for the indigenous people of Magcorao Tribe in Barangay Katilingban, Talisay City, yesterday.
The Pandayan ng Bayan project is being implemented in Negros Occidental under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program of DOST, which aims to uplift the lives of men and women farmers and strengthen the rural industrialization in the province through Science and Technology interventions.
Members of the Magcorao Upland Farmers Association of the Magcorao Tribu Bukidnon are one of the six beneficiaries of Pandayan ng Bayan livelihood components, coming from the six legislative districts of Negros Occidental chosen by TUPV as recipients of the project.
The project for the indigenous people of Magcorao Tribe was facilitated by DOST Region VI as the funding agency and Central Philippines State University (CPSU) led by Dr. Aladino Moraca as implementing agency, with RU Foundry and Machine Shop Corporation led by Ramon Uy Sr., and Technological University of the Philippines Visayas (TUPV) as cooperating agencies.
With Pandayan Ng Bayan, capabilities of the local communities on the manufacturing and fabrication of replacement parts, repair and maintenance, access to metal works, and complement rural industrialization, will be enhanced.
It likewise highlights support to the selected groups/communities in Negros Occidental on metal works, fabrication, designing, and assembly of appropriate tools and equipment needed in the agricultural sector providing employment opportunities and creation of wealth at the local levels.
Meanwhile, DOST VI Regional Director Rowen Gelonga emphasized that the project is anchored to the agency’s four pillars – promotion of human well-being; wealth creation; wealth protection, and sustainability.
“The project supports the communities’ desire to be self-reliant, and innovative, and will not depend so much on the government for assistance,” Gelonga added.
Moreover, Uy expressed strong support for the program as it will capacitate farmers to fabricate, manufacture, and even repair their own farm equipment and eventually design and innovate their own tools appropriate to the agricultural sector.
Dr. Eric Malo-oy, TUP-Visayas campus director, will lead in equipping the farmers through training, seminars, and technology transfer activities to sustain the project.
Meanwhile, Rufino Diaz, Magcorao Tribu Bukidnon tribe leader, expressed his appreciation for the project and assured the benefactors and partner agencies that they will work together to take advantage of the project and help their community to be sustainable.
Present during the turn-over and launching were representatives of 3rd District Congressman Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez who supported the building of the temporary structure of the Pandayan ng Bayan, Talisay City Mayor Nilo Jesus Antonio Neil Lizares, Talisay City Vice Mayor Jose Nicolas Jalandoni III and city councilors, a representative of Sen. Cynthia Villar, JCI, DOST Negros Occidental and CPSU members.*
