The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Capiz Provincial Science and Technology Office, in partnership with DOST-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) and the local government unit of Sigma, Capiz, conducted the STEMPowering Seniors and Communities Program in Sigma.
As part of the program, 33 Child Development Center (CDC) teachers were trained to integrate Storybooks in Science and Mathematics and Bukas-Tuklas Discovery Boxes into classroom instruction to strengthen science and mathematics learning among young children.
“Bata pa lang, iexpose na natin sila sa science and math. This is DOST’s way of injecting STEM culture into their young minds,” [Let us expose children to science and mathematics at an early age. This is DOST’s way of injecting STEM culture into their young minds,] Ms. Josephine S. Feliciano, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST-SEI, shared.
Following the training, the educational resources were formally turned over to the Municipality of Sigma, with Mayor Dante Rizal A. Eslabon, Barangay Cogon officials, and the Cogon CDC teacher receiving the donations. As a beneficiary of the CEST Program, Barangay Cogon received one (1) Bukas-Tuklas Discovery Box and 83 titles of storybooks in science and mathematics, becoming the first local government beneficiary to adopt these learning technologies following their pilot implementation in Brgy. Putatan, Muntinlupa. Meanwhile, each participating CDC teacher received 20 storybooks to support classroom instruction.
The ceremony also included the signing and turnover of the Cogon Purified Water Refilling Station, a livelihood project under the CEST Program that aims to provide the community with access to safe drinking water while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Expressing his gratitude, Mayor Eslabon shared, “Napakaswerte ng Sigma at marami pang biyaya ang darating sa bayang ito. May tubig na tayo, learning materials, at iba pang teknolohiya sa ilalim ng CEST Project. Alagaan natin ang ibinigay sa atin na biyaya.” [Sigma is truly fortunate, and I believe more blessings will continue to come. Through the CEST Project, we now have access to clean water, learning materials, and other technologies. Let us take good care of these blessings.]
The following day, a storytelling session was observed using the newly distributed storybooks, showcasing their immediate classroom application. “Dako gid ang akon pasalamat sa proyekto nga ginhatag sang DOST sa Cogon Day Care Center. Makabulig gid ini ang learning materials sa akon pagtudlo sa mga kabataan paagi sa Agham kag Matematika,” expressed Ms. Marilyn Aguilar, Teacher of Cogon Day Care Center. [I am very grateful for the project provided by DOST to the Cogon Day Care Center. These learning materials will greatly help me in teaching the children through Science and Mathematics.]
The activity concluded with the distribution of food packs to twenty-five (25) children and food supplies to Barangay Cogon through AmligSiyensya, DOST Western Visayas’ community outreach initiative that promotes resilience and support for vulnerable communities.
“Sa pamamagitan ng programang ito, ipinapakita natin na ang agham ay hindi lang para sa iilan; ito ay para sa lahat. Ito ang tunay na Agham na Ramdam, nagbibigay ng tunay na solusyon at oportunidad para sa bawat komunidad at bawat kabataang Pilipino.” [Through this program, we demonstrate that science is not only for a few, but it is for everyone. This is what Agham na Ramdam truly means: providing real solutions and opportunities for every community and every young Filipino.] With this call to make science accessible to all, DOST Capiz Provincial Director Juafe M. Abareles underscored the essence of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program.
From empowering teachers with innovative STEM learning resources to providing community sustainable livelihood opportunities and technologies, the two-day activity demonstrated how DOST transforms science into meaningful action. More than introducing technologies, the initiative embodied the spirit of Agham na Ramdam, bringing real solutions and opportunities closer to every community through science, technology, and innovation. (MCPielago/DOST Capiz; Photos by: LNGGebauer, RAPizon/DOST Capiz)
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is the country’s premiere agency for science, technology, and innovation, providing direction and leadership in the Philippines. Through strategic policies and programs, DOST ensures that S&T drives national development—delivering solutions and opportunities that maximize economic and social benefits for every Filipino.