Two entries from Western Visayas triumphed during the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) 2024 Best Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) Community Awards and the 2024 Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) PRAISE Awards.

Winning 2nd runner-up for the 2024 Best CEST Community Award is the Baraclayan Weaving Community from Brgy. Baraclayan, Miagao, Iloilo. The community is one of the beneficiaries of DOST VI and Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) under the CEST project focused on providing livelihoods for the local weavers and pineapple farmers from Passi City and Lemery through various science and technology solutions. Hon. Marlou Niones, Barangay Captain of Brgy. Baraclayan, received the award along with project partners from ISAT U and DOST VI.

On the other hand, garnering the Most Agile Award for the 2024 SETUP PRAISE is McNester Food Products from Brgy. San Isidro, Buenavista, Guimaras. McNester, an enterprise that produces calamansi and mango-based products, is a beneficiary of DOST’s SETUP 4.0 program. Through the program, it has increased its production capabilities, technical capabilities, and has moved up from being a micro enterprise to a small enterprise. Ms. Rebecca Tubongbanua, owner of McNester Food Products, received the award along with representatives from DOST VI.

The awarding ceremony was held on November 27 and 28 during the 2024 National Science, Technology and Innovation Week (NSTW) celebration in Cagayan de Oro City. The event was graced by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. and other DOST key officials.

The Best CEST Community and SETUP PRAISE are annual awards ceremony of the DOST gathering entries from all regions. These awards are aimed to recognize and highlight the critical impact of science, technology and innovation in empowering communities and improving business in the country. (NFactuar/KMO)