DOST technologies to improve livelihood of Sibalom pottery community | Department of Science and Technology Regional Office VI

Posted on March 8, 2022

DOST technologies to improve livelihood of Sibalom pottery community

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) continues to envision that with appropriate science and technology (S&T) assistance, every community will be strengthened and empowered. With this, DOST VI partners with the University of Antique Research, Extension, Continuing Education, and Training Services (UA RECETS) to provide technologies to improve the pottery industry in Brgy. Bari, Sibalom, Antique.

With the approved project, “Pottery Steps Towards Progress thru CEST”, one (1) automated brick molder machine, 35 additional electric potter’s wheels, and 4 computer units with S&T Academic and Research-based Openly-Operated Kiosk Stations (STARBOOKS), Barangay Infosystem for Development and Accountability (BIDA), and Bantay Panahon softwares will be provided to Brgy. Bari.

These technologies were identified to help the community in terms of providing more livelihood opportunities, developing human resource, mitigating risk of disasters, and strengthening good governance within the community as part of the components of the DOST Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) Program. Different technology trainings to equip the members of the community in the use the technologies will also be conducted by DOST. Moreover, the project targets to build a pottery village within the barangay to nurture the craft as well as drive more tourists in the area.

UA RECETS Vice President and Project Leader Dr. Nanette V. Dionisio, together with the Antique Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC), recently held a consultative meeting in the barangay. The meeting discussed project implementation with the beneficiaries from two (2) barangay associations namely, the Bari Manugkuron Producers Cooperative and the Farmers Pottery Association.

Brgy. Bari is home to many Manugdihons or terra cotta potters. With abundant clay reserves, traditional pottery-making is considered as one of the primary sources of livelihood in the barangay. (NABFactuar,DOST VI-KMU)