On June 13-14, 2024, the team of Project DAGAT, or “Driving Advancement, Generating Access, and Transforming Small Island Communities,” conducted the first social preparation activity for small island communities at Botlog Island, Concepcion, Iloilo. The activity was attended by participants from the prevailing sectors in the community, such as the fisherfolks, senior citizens, youth sector, women’s sector, and barangay officials. The team consisted of representatives from the Department of Science and Technology VI, Central Philippine University, Northern Iloilo State University, and the Local Government of Concepcion.

The purpose of this activity is to involve the community in the planning, decision-making, and implementation process of the project. In the first part of the activity, the overview of the project DAGAT was presented by Ms. Keithlyn Sarah B. Bernardino, Head of the DOST VI Regional S&T Operations. Additionally, the basic technical aspects, uses, and advantages of the technology components to be deployed on the island, such as the Lighting and Charging System using small-scale wind turbines and the Automatic Weather Monitoring Station, were discussed by Engr. Kleio Alfric S. Tobias of CPU and Engr. Manuel Philip F. Zamora of DOST VI, respectively.

Workshops were conducted during the main activity, focusing on SWOT analysis, conceptualization of the “dream community,” identification of priorities among the listed dreams, and action planning. Through these activities, the sectors may realize their ability to respond to challenges, create a shared vision, and take action through reflective exercises and group discussions. Along with the activity workshops, Ms. Bernardino also conducted an Orientation on Gender Sensitivity to examine gender influences in the community and improve the conscientization of each participant to create a gender-responsive project implementation.

The conduct of the social preparation activity is part of implementing Project DAGAT, which will ensure the community’s active participation, acceptability, effective intervention execution, and positive outcomes.

The Project DAGAT of DOST Region VI is funded by the Innovation Fund, administered by the National Innovation Council (NIC) through the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Innovation Grant. The fund appropriation is authorized for the issuance of grants for innovation programs, activities, and projects to effectively implement RA No. 11293, otherwise known as the Philippine Innovation Act. (RRTMalaga/RDIMS)

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