The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Community Empowerment thru the Science and Technology (CEST) project in Tubungan, Iloilo provides livelihood to women survivors of domestic violence. Built on previously implemented gender and development initiatives, the project provided assistance to the survivors of Violence Against Women (VAW) particularly Babaye Bangon-Batad in the municipality, and built their self-reliance by addressing various factors that interplay and contribute to their vulnerabilities and hinder them from participating in community development and in nation building.
LGU Batad, in partnership with the DOST Iloilo Provincial Office and the Iloilo Provincial Government, implemented the project for one (1) year. Other agencies such as the Batad Municipal Police Station, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Municipal Health Office were also engaged in project implementation.
Among the key accomplishments of the project include the enhancement of the existing mushroom production and vegetable gardening livelihoods for Babaye Bangon-Batad Chapter, the enhancement of the LGU’s capacity in disaster risk reduction and management, and the strengthening of women’s involvement in local health and nutrition issues through various DOST technology training such as the DOST’s Pinggang Pinoy, meal planning, and the conduct of association-led supplemental feeding for children.
Marking the success of the project, a culminating activity was held at the Batad Municipal Gymnasium, Batad, Iloilo. In attendance during the activity were Project Leader, Ms. Theresa D. Sayat, SB members led by Hon. Steven Michael Andrada, Ms. Luna Bela-Ong of LEDIP-Iloilo Provincial Government, and Ms. Rovilyn Faiwas of DOST VI who delivered their messages during the activity. Beneficiaries such as The Babaye Bangon and Day Care Workers represented by Ms. Pilar Banico and Wilsa E. Dela Cruz gave their appreciation speeches and shared their stories on how the project helped their organizations/institutions. (MMMendoza/DOST Iloilo, NABFactuar/KMO)