The Department of Science and Technology VI (DOST VI) and the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) promotes science in the Aeta community of Sitio Kati-kati, Brgy. San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras through the 1st Rollout of “Bridging the Utilization of R&D results through Awareness and dissemination for Community Empowerment through Science and Technology” or BURDA for CEST.
BURDA for CEST aims to raise awareness on science, technology, and innovation through animated video series, Agam-Agham with Atong and Aram: “Sama-samang talakayan, agham para sa pamayanan. The video series showcases the research highlights of NRCP-completed projects which are relevant to the needs of the CEST communities. The R&D results are transformed into “laymanized, culture-sensitive, gender-responsive, and research-based knowledge products” in the form of videos that are simple, creative, and informative, which can be appreciated by men, women, and children in the community.
The activity was spearheaded by BURDA for CEST Project Leader and former Executive Director of NRCP, Dr. Marieta B. Sumagaysay and Guimaras Provincial S&T Director, Mr. Allen Daryl F. Asuelo, Mr. Crispin Valencia, IP Chieftain of the Sitio Kati-kati Aeta community, and Ms. Jean Edessa D. Avila, DOST VI Grants-in-Aid Unit Head.
Three (3) animated videos were presented featuring the studies conducted by the researchers of NRCP. The videos explained useful topics, namely: cattle tick resistance and its consequent effects on the livelihood and health of affected communities; use of agricultural waste products particularly the seeds of atis (sugar apple), guyabano (soursop), and biriba (rollinia fruit) as potential sources of insecticides against termites; and parasite contamination and transmission in agricultural farms and its effects on food and human safety.
Mr. Crispin Valencia, IP Chieftain of the Sitio Kati-kati Aeta community, expressed his gratitude to NRCP and DOST VI for all the assistance provided to them and for bringing relevant and useful information to their community.