Farmer representatives from Pandayan ng Bayan Package recipient associations are currently undergoing RU Foundry and Machine Shop Corp’s “Economic Development: Hands-on Training and Coaching on the Fabrication and Manufacturing of Agricultural Tools and Equipment” initiative.

Held at May’s Garden in So. Aning, Brgy. Pahanocoy, Bacolod City, the three-day training commenced on June 20 and will end on June 22 with participants from Department of Science and Technology - Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (DOST - CEST), Central Philippines State University (CPSU), and cooperating agencies’ Pandayan ng Bayan Project.

Each of the six farmers’ associations, with each based in their respective Negros Occidental districts, sent representatives for the skill-enhancement training, with the hopes of being equipped with the knowledge and skills in the production and fabrication of farming tools that would best suit their agricultural necessities and best cope with their gender-sensitive needs, which will later be cascaded to the members of their respective farmers associations.

The hands-on training and coaching started with an opening program, and on behalf of CPSU President Dr. Aladino C. Moraca, Pandayan ng Bayan Project Leader Dr. Maryvic P. Pedrosa welcomed the participants and emphasized the commitment of the university in empowering the poor through its extension services—envisioning sustainable livelihood for Filipinos through relevant and responsive education.

RU Foundry Chief-Executive-Officer Ramon Uy Sr. shared his success story how he started from a 𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑎𝑛 which he developed into today’s RU Foundry, inspiring the participants with the potential impact that the project could make in the community while, DOST Provincial Director Engr. Allan Francis Dara-ug expressed his hopes for the second phase of the Pandayan ng Bayan which will be decided after rigorous assessment of the project.

In addition, Technological University of the Philippines Campus Director Dr. Eric A. Malo-oy stressed on their university’s commitment in providing technical support for the project recipients on the course of the project implementation.

CPSU’s Pandayan ng Bayan team also attended the event, with CPSU community leader Mr. Arnel T. Calago, who delivered his testimony on how the support of Dr. Moraca, Dr. Pedrosa, and Mr. Uy were instrumental in the materialization of now thriving projects from CPSU’s own Pandayan ng Bayan, namely Village banking, Food Stall and Catering.

𝑃𝘩𝑜𝘵𝑜𝘴 𝘤𝑎𝘱𝑡𝘶𝑟𝘦𝑑 𝑏𝘺: CPSU Production and Enterprise Development Office