The Pandayan ng Bayan, a metalworks and fabrication center project in Negros Occidental, held its official launching ceremony at May’s Organic Garden, Brgy. Pahanocoy, Bacolod City.
The project with funding under the Department of Science and Technology Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology Program or DOST CEST Program is a collaborative initiative among DOST Region VI, RU Foundry and Machine Shop Corporation, and five (5) State Colleges and Universities (SUCs) in the province, namely, Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU), Central Philippines State University (CPSU), Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology (NONESCOST), Philippine Normal University – Visayas (PNU-V), and the Technological University of the Philippines – Visayas (TUPV).
It is set to establish a total of six (6) centers to equip and train farmers in the fabrication, repair, and maintenance of agricultural tools, conduct health and nutrition seminars for the beneficiaries and their families, provide six (6) computer units installed with Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS), six (6) Versatile Instrumentation System for Science Education and Research (VISSER) starter kits and 24 sets of 3D printer with a desktop computer and to conduct related trainings, advance solid waste management practices through seminars and trainings and conduct Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation (DRRM-CCA) symposium which will be implemented in the six (6) districts of Negros Occidental.
These activities aim to address five (5) CEST components, namely, Economic Development or Livelihood, Health and Nutrition, Human Resource Development, Environmental Protection and Conservation, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation (DRRM-CCA).
Present during the Pandayan ng Bayan launching were DOST Negros Occidental Provincial Director Engr. Allan Francis P. Dara-ug; CPSU President Dr. Aladino C. Moraca; Dr. Maryvic P. Pedrosa, Project Leader of Pandayan ng Bayan; CPSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Fernando D. Abello; NONECOST President Dr. Renante A. Egcas; Ramon D. Uy, Sr., owner of RU Foundry and Machine Shop Corporation; Engr. Jovel Young as representative of TUPV Campus Director Dr. Eric A. Malo-oy; Dr. Meah L. Gonzaga as representative of Dr. Denmark L. Yonson of PNU Visayas; Dr. Andrew Tan as representative of Dr. Norberto P. Mangulabnan of CHMSU; Edna M. Villaruel from DAR-Negros Occidental, and the farmer beneficiaries from Camingawan-Tagukon Farmers Association.