To empower locals and inspire local metalwork industry in Negros Occidental, Central Philippines State University, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VI, and cooperating agencies granted a Pandayan ng Bayan package to Magcorao Upland Farmers Association (MUFA).
The turnover ceremony for the DOST - Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST)-funded project, took place at Brgy. Katilingban, Talisay City, Negros Occidental on May 21, 2024 with the presence of DOST VI Regional Director Rowen R. Gelonga.
Hon. Mayor Nilo Jesus Antonio Neil Lizares, and on behalf of Hon. Congressman Jose Francisco Benitez, Hon. Vice Mayor Jose Nicolas Jalandoni III attended the event, expressing their commitment to support the project and its utilization.
CPSU President Aladino C. Moraca, and representatives from the projectโs cooperating agencies namely Campus Director of TUPV Dr. Eric A. Malo-oy, and RU Foundry & Machine Shop Corpโs Chief-Executive-Officer Ramon D. Uy, Sr., also gave their respective messages which entailed the long-term, country-wide benefits that the projectโs success will bring.
Project Manager Dr. Maryvic P. Pedrosa, with the implementing agency, CPSU College of Agriculture and Forestry, facilitated the turnover of the pieces of equipment and tools to MUFA, a farmers association composed of members from the Magcorao Tribu Bukidnon indigenous group.
It can be recalled that DOST, CPSU, TUPV, RU Foundry, Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU), Philippine Normal University โ Visayas (PNUV), and State University of Northern Negros (SUNN) previously delivered Pandayan Packages to chosen farmersโ associations recipients from Districts 3, 4, and 5 of Negros Occidental.
The Pandayan Packages, which include welding machines, angle grinders, electric drills, table vise clamps, T-squares, oxygen tanks, etc., are foreseen to aid in the self-sufficiency of local farmers in creating and repairing localized and gender sensitive farming tools.
Photos captured by: CPSU Production and Enterprise Development Office