Community Empowerment through Science & Technology- Region XII

17/04/2026

30/03/2026

𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗖𝗦𝗞𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝗧𝗜 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗠𝗢𝗔 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲

The Department of Science and Technology SOCCSKSARGEN, through its Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) of Cotabato, successfully held the Ceremonial Signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for various science, technology, and innovation (STI) projects in Cotabato Province under several DOST programs on March 27, 2026, at Titanium Pharma Function Hall, Barangay Sudapin, Kidapawan City.

The event marked another significant step in advancing inclusive, community-centered, and innovation-driven development in the province. It was graced by Hon. Vice Governor Rochella Marie Taliño-Taray, who expressed strong support for the continued implementation of DOST interventions that aim to improve education, livelihood, community development, and enterprise productivity across Cotabato Province.

Under the Community Empowerment thru Science & Technology (CEST) Program, DOST SOCCSKSARGEN officially inked a MOA with the DepEd RXII SDO Kidapawan City for the project titled 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐀𝐈-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Another MOA was also signed for the project “𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐏𝐒𝐂 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐱,” in partnership with the Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology and the University of Southern Mindanao. These initiatives aim to strengthen science education, improve teacher capability, and provide learners with more interactive, technology-enabled learning experiences.

Also, under the CEST Program, DOST SOCCSKSARGEN formalized its partnership with the Rotary Club of Mt. Apo as implementing partner and disbursing entity for seven community-based projects intended to uplift vulnerable and underserved sectors.

These projects include:
•“𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐮 𝐒&𝐓” for the Kidapawan Coffee Growers Association

•“𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐃𝐋𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦” for BJMP North Cotabato District Jail Female Dormitory

•“𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐦: 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐃𝐋𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐒&𝐓 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧” for BJMP North Cotabato Male Dormitory

•“𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝-𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐒&𝐓 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬” for BJMP Kidapawan City Jail

•“𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐛𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐯𝐮 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐮 𝐒&𝐓 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞” for the Indigenous Peoples Women’s Association

•“𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐂𝐓 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬” for Ma’had Patadon Al-Islamie

•“𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐇-𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭: 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒&𝐓 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐮𝐛𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧” for the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangays Manongol, New Bohol, and Sudapin.

Under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), DOST SOCCSKSARGEN signed MOAs with two project cooperators to support technology upgrading and productivity improvement among local enterprises. One of the projects is “𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐗 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐂𝐓 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲", with SETUP cooperator Mr. Rex G. Pinsoy. Another is with Kian Tek Rubber Factory Corporation, owned by Ms. Mary Jessyca Sia Su, for the project titled “𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲-𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐚 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐰-𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦.” These interventions aim to improve operational efficiency, enhance competitiveness, and promote sustainable production practices among local industries.

Meanwhile, under the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (IFWDPH) Program, two beneficiaries also formally inked their MOAs with DOST SOCCSKSARGEN. These include Ms. Grace May Bardon for her project titled “𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞” and Ms. Beth Bautista for her project titled “𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.” Their participation highlights DOST’s continued commitment to supporting returning and transitioning overseas and remote Filipino workers through innovation-driven livelihood opportunities and sustainable enterprise development.

The event was further highlighted by messages of support delivered by former DOST Secretary and Academician Fortunato T. de la Peña, who joined virtually via Zoom, and University of Southern Mindanao President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel. Also present were key partners and stakeholders, including Rotary Club of Mt. Apo President Atty. Jonah Mineses and Schools Division Superintendent Miguel Fillalan Jr., CESO V. Joining virtually as well were Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology President Nicanor Villaseñor III and University of Southern Mindanao Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Dr. Debbie Marie Verzosa.

Through these various partnerships and interventions, DOST SOCCSKSARGEN reaffirms its commitment to bringing STI closer to communities, schools, institutions, entrepreneurs, and marginalized sectors. The ceremonial MOA signing signifies a shared commitment among partner institutions and beneficiaries to implement meaningful projects that will create lasting impact and contribute to a more empowered, resilient, and progressive Cotabato Province.

DOST Philippines
DOST - Regional Operations
DOST XII - Cotabato Provincial Office

26/03/2026

𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐗𝐈𝐈–𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐎𝐀 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST XII) – SOCCSKSARGEN Region, through the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO)–South Cotabato, under the leadership of Giselle Eve O. Siladan, successfully formalized a partnership with key stakeholders in the province by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the beneficiaries of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program.
The MOA underscores the commitment of DOST XII–PSTO South Cotabato to provide appropriate technologies, capacity-building programs, and technical support aimed at enhancing community development, education, and public service initiatives.
Among the initial beneficiaries are:
🟢BLAAN Association of Traditional Artists and Knowledge Bearers – Cultural Learning Center at Brgy. Landan National High School, Brgy. Landan, Polomolok
🟢BJMP Koronadal City District Jail, City of Koronadal, South Cotabato
🟢Brgy. Lumakil, Polomolok, in coordination with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Polomolok
With the guidance and support of Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, PSTO South Cotabato continues to empower communities by integrating science and technology solutions into local programs, fostering innovation, strengthening disaster preparedness, and promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities across the province.

25/02/2026

16/02/2026

₱𝟖.𝟓𝐌 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐊𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐏 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
The Department of Science and Technology Region XII (DOST SOCCSKSARGEN) formalized new partnerships with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and one selected community in Sultan Kudarat through the signing of Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST).
More than a ceremonial activity, the MOA signing underscored DOST’s commitment to anchor enterprise development on science, technology, and innovation (STI) as key drivers of productivity, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability. Through SETUP, assistance goes beyond financial support, focusing on technology infusion, process optimization, productivity enhancement, and quality systems improvement to strengthen operational efficiency and market readiness.
The following enterprises were officially welcomed as new SETUP cooperators in Sultan Kudarat:
• 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 – ₱𝟭,𝟵𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬.𝟬𝟬
• 𝗦𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗞𝘂𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 – ₱𝟮,𝟵𝟲𝟴,𝟬𝟬𝟬.𝟬𝟬
• 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘆-𝗦𝗶𝘅 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵 – ₱𝟭,𝟳𝟲𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬.𝟬𝟬
• 𝗥𝗵𝘆𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 – ₱𝟭,𝟮𝟰𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬.𝟬𝟬
The total investment represents strategic capital for capacity expansion, standardization, and technology upgrading. With improved equipment comes more consistent output; with strengthened systems comes higher productivity; and with an innovation mindset comes long-term sustainability.
RD Malawan further underscored the accountability framework embedded in the program:
“𝑺𝑬𝑻𝑼𝑷 𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆-𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅. 𝑰𝒃𝒊𝒈 𝒔𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒉𝒊𝒏, 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒕𝒂𝒚𝒐 – 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒔, 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚 𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒔, 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉. 𝑯𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒂𝒚𝒐 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒑𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒈𝒐 𝒏𝒈 𝒏𝒆𝒈𝒐𝒔𝒚𝒐; 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉.”
Alongside SETUP, the MOA signing also highlighted support under the CEST Program, which aims to empower communities through appropriate technologies and livelihood-enhancing interventions. One CEST beneficiary was recognized during the activity:
• 𝗙𝗲𝘁𝗮 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 – ₱𝟲𝟱𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬.𝟬𝟬
The Regional Director further emphasized the real essence of CEST. According to him, the program goes beyond simply reaching geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
“𝑨𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝑬𝑺𝑻 𝒂𝒚 𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒂 𝑮𝑰𝑫𝑨. 𝑰𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒚 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒚𝒂𝒌 𝒏𝒂 𝒔𝒂 𝒃𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒌𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝒏𝒈 𝒌𝒐𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒅 – 𝒂𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒌𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂, 𝒌𝒂𝒃𝒖𝒉𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒏, 𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒌𝒂𝒔𝒚𝒐𝒏, 𝒌𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒖𝒈𝒂𝒏 – n𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒑𝒊𝒔𝒚𝒐 𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒈𝒉𝒂𝒎. 𝑰𝒕𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒚 𝒏𝒂 𝒌𝒂𝒉𝒖𝒍𝒖𝒈𝒂𝒏 𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝑮𝑯𝑨𝑴 𝑵𝑨 𝑹𝑨𝑴𝑫𝑨𝑴.”
The grant will support technology-based improvements to enhance productivity and strengthen the farm’s role in community-level economic development.
DOST continues to affirm that enterprise success is not determined by size, but by strategy, systems, and sustainability. When equipped with the right technologies and guided by innovation, small enterprises can compete, scale, and thrive.
As these partnerships take effect, the MOA signing marks the beginning of a results-driven collaboration, one that elevates the quality, productivity, and competitiveness of enterprises in Sultan Kudarat, 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒈𝒐𝒔𝒚𝒐 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚.
DOST Philippines
DOST - Regional Operations
DOST XII - Sultan Kudarat Provincial Office
Community Empowerment thru Science & Technology
Community Empowerment through Science & Technology- Region XII

11/02/2026

𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐂𝐒𝐊𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍-𝐏𝐒𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐊 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐚!

Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat — February 11, 2026 — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) SOCCSKSARGEN, under the exemplary leadership of Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, through the Provincial Science and Technology Office–Sultan Kudarat (PSTO–SK) headed by Provincial Director Ms. Zenaida D. Guiano, together with Engr. Szalinah S. Mercado, Supervising Science Research Specialist; Mr. Badrudin Dagadas, Science Research Specialist II; and other PSTO–SK personnel, formally conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for the DOST Potable Water Project via Gravity at Sitio Kabanalian, Barangay Ilian, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.

The ceremony commenced with the traditional groundbreaking activity, symbolized by the use of shovels, hard hats, and safety vests, marking the official start of the project’s implementation.

The event was attended by key local and security officials, including Municipal Mayor Hon. Charles Federic R. Ploteña; 1st Lieutenant Menard Tabayag of Charlie Company, 57th Infantry Battalion, 6ID, Philippine Army; PCPT Jeffrey T. Lazaro, OIC of Esperanza Municipal Police Station; Police Captain Brinan Sequerra; Barangay Captain Usom Kanapia; and members of the Barangay Council.

In his message, Mayor Ploteña congratulated all stakeholders, particularly DOST, for bringing the project to the community. He emphasized the life-changing impact of the initiative, stating, “𝑯𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒐 𝒊𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒖𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈, 𝒃𝒖𝒉𝒂𝒚 𝒑𝒐 𝒊𝒕𝒐!”

Echoing the mayor’s sentiments, Barangay Captain Kanapia expressed his deep gratitude, sharing that he had personally witnessed conflicts among residents due to water scarcity, underscoring the urgent need for the project.

Responding on behalf of Regional Director Engr. Malawan, PSTO–SK Provincial Director Ms. Zenaida Guiano conveyed appreciation for the community’s warm acceptance of the project. She recalled how PSTO–SK first identified Barangay Ilian during the Serbisyo Caravan in 2023 and emphasized the importance of water initiatives, noting that “𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒂 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒂𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒑𝒐 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏.” She concluded her message by reminding the community to value, protect, and properly maintain the facility once completed.

Meanwhile, 1st Lt. Tabayag, along with Police Captains Lazaro and Sequerra, assured the community of peace and order throughout the construction period, reiterating their mandate to support and safeguard government programs delivered to the people.

The project is expected to provide access to safe and potable water to four (4) puroks in Barangay Ilian, significantly improving the health, sanitation, and overall quality of life of the community.

The Potable Water Project via Gravity is one of the flagship interventions under DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program. It strongly embodies the DOST mantra , proving that science-based solutions can reach and uplift even the most remote and underserved communities. Through strengthened collaboration with Local Government Units and partner agencies, transformative and life-changing projects like this are made possible.

DOST Philippines
DOST - Regional Operations
DOST XII - Department of Science and Technology - Region XII

04/02/2026

28/01/2026

DOST SOCCSKSARGEN-PSTO SK Orients Lambayong Kakanin Makers on CEST Program!

Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat — January 27, 2026 — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region SOCCSKSARGEN, headed by Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, through the Provincial Science and Technology Office of Sultan Kudarat led by Provincial Director Ms. Zenaida D. Guiano, conducted an orientation on the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program for the Lambayong Kakanin Makers Association at the Municipal Hall of Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat on January 27, 2026.

The activity was attended by various kakanin makers in the municipality and was graced by the presence of the very supportive Municipal Mayor, Hon. Francis Eric E. Recinto, together with the equally active Municipal Tourism Officer, Ms. Adalia P. Olofernes.

In his message, Mayor Recinto emphasized that the development and upgrading of kakanin production in Lambayong has been one of his priority initiatives since assuming office. He shared his vision of improving product quality and recognized seeking technical assistance from DOST as a vital strategy to achieve this goal. Mayor Recinto expressed his gratitude to the Department for initiating the orientation and extending support to local food producers.

Engr. Szalinah S. Mercado, Supervising Science Research Specialist, provided an overview of the CEST Program, explaining its objectives, scope, and the sectors and communities that may benefit from the program. She also highlighted several communities that have already been assisted through CEST interventions.

Following the presentation, Provincial Director Ms. Zenaida D. Guiano delivered an inspiring message, reaffirming the Department of Science and Technology’s commitment to uplifting local communities through science, technology, and innovation. She personally took time to list down the equipment needs of the Lambayong Kakanin Makers Association, reflecting DOST’s hands-on approach in understanding and responding to the group’s actual needs. This was followed by a commitment message from the Association’s Secretary, who conveyed the members’ strong willingness to work closely with DOST toward improving their livelihoods and strengthening their community enterprise.

Participants actively engaged in the discussion and expressed enthusiasm for the potential innovations and assistance they may avail through the program. The activity concluded with closing remarks from the Municipal Vice Mayor, Hon. Norhato Sanday, Alhadj.

After the program, the DOST team conducted a Community Needs Assessment (CNA) for the association and conducted an on-site inspection of the proposed processing plant to evaluate and plan the facility layout in compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory requirements.

DOST Philippines
DOST - Regional Operations
DOST XII - Department of Science and Technology - Region XII
Community Empowerment through Science & Technology- Region XII