The Department of Science and Technology VI (DOST VI) through its Negros Occidental Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) in coordination with the Association of Negros Producers, Inc. (ANP) extend assistance to Brgy. Canlusong, EB Magalona, Negros Occidental through DOST’s Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) Program in Conflict-Affected Areas (CAA) in Western Visayas.

Recently, community beneficiaries together with DOST VI, ANP and the local government unit (LGU) of EB Magalona conducted a Mangrove planting activity in Tomongtong Mangrove Eco-Trail.

The beneficiaries also participated in a training on First Aid Response conducted by Mr. John Ronald Espellogo and Mr. Kenneth Gonzales from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO).

The activities were conducted as part CEST’s environmental protection and conservation and disaster risk reduction and management components. Other CEST components also incorporated within the implementation of the project include livelihood/economic enterprise development, health and nutrition and human resource development.

DOST’s CEST program aims to empower communities through science and technology (S&T) support. In the case of Brgy. Canlusong, DOST VI and ANP target to enhance their existing coffee production livelihood, provide various activities, seminars and trainings to raise awareness on malnutrition, disasters and environmental protection and conservation, and to provide S&T resource materials as well as equipment particularly for students in the community. (NABFactuar/DOST VI-KMU)