DOST VI AmligSiyensya sends donations to farmers, IPs in Negros Occidental

Binalbagan, Negros Occidental – The Department of Science and Technology Region VI (DOST VI) sends donations to PeacePond Farmers Association (PFA) in Barangay Enclaro, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental through its AmligSiyensya program.

The donations consisted of 200 sets of hygiene kits, 200 packs of Mingo Meals and one portable toilet.  PFA also supports the Federation of Indigenous Peoples (IP) Associations in Binalbagan.  DOST VI through the AmligSiyensya program will also provide 10 units of solar streetlights for the IP communities.  PFA President Antonio Jesus C. Orbida, Confederation of Indigenous Peoples Organizations in Southern Negros Occidental (CIPOSNO) Chairperson Kalanyan Jonathan Camanso, and National Committee on Central Cultural Communities Head Pablito Gonzales received the donations on behalf of the PFA farmers during the turnover held on February 23, 2022.

PFA is also a proponent of the DOST Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) Program.  Through CEST program, S&T interventions were provided covering the five components on Economic Development, Health and Nutrition, Human Resource Development, Environmental Protection and Conservation, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation.

AmligSiyensya is a community outreach program established by DOST VI under the leadership of Regional Director Rowen R. Gelonga. The name was coined by joining two Hiligaynon words — ‘Amlig’ and ‘Siyensya’. ‘Amlig’ which means care or attention emphasizes the agency’s intention to take care of communities and sectors in need.  While ‘Siyensya’ as the Hiligaynon term for science, highlights the important role of science and technology (S&T) provide relevant and effective solutions to problems of the society.

As a collective project of the DOST VI Innovation Teams composed of G-Force, Dos Ranger, Team Leap, and OneTeam, AmligSiyensya was initially conceptualized to help victims of typhoons and other calamities particularly those affected by typhoon Odette in December of 2021.

During the typhoon onslaught in Western Visayas, Negros Occidental was reportedly among the badly hit provinces. Strong winds and widespread floods caused severe damage to the agricultural sector. As such, farmers in the province were identified as the first beneficiaries of the outreach activity.

“DOST VI intends that the AmligSiyensya will not only assist the victims of calamities but also our way of helping the marginalized and disadvantaged sectors and communities’, said Director Gelonga.  The outreach program will be distinct from what other government agencies and organizations are implementing, however, with AmligSiyensya, S&T will play a key role in the assistance it provides.  (NABFactuar, SSalazar/DOST VI-KMU)