Pasil, Kalinga – Two agricultural products of Pasil in Kalinga were showcased nationwide over the weekend through the “Lakas ng Siyensya” episode of ABS-CBN’s DZMM Teleradyo.
Featured in said national TV show were the heirloom rice locally known as “unoy” and “bugnay” (bignay) wine that thrived with the help of interventions provided by the regional Department of Science and Technology.
The red-colored “unoy” rice with sweet, herbal aroma is a product of Pasil Multipurpose Cooperative (PAMPCO), while the refreshing “bugnay” wine is from Bamgat Farmers Multipurpose Association (BFMA).
These farmer organizations were earlier reported as recipients of the Pasil Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST), a flagship program of DOST which gives holistic package of various science and technology interventions to form progressive, empowered and resilient rural communities.
Impact of CEST program to beneficiaries
In said “Lakas ng Siyensya” episode, the Municipal Science and Technology Coordinator Marife Bintocan relayed that before the implementation of CEST program in the locality, the farmer groups only had limited production due to lack of facilities.
The local government then submitted proposals to include the organizations in the CEST program of DOST-Cordillera. Passing all the criteria, the application was granted, and the program began its implementation in 2020.
Among the interventions given include fruit processing facilities, packaging equipment, rice mill, and product labelling materials.
The technologies have boosted the production of the farmer groups and likewise helped in the promotion of heirloom rice in the local and international market.
“Ngayon po na may intervention galing sa DOST, may packaging at labelling at may identity name na po na ‘ancestors gift’ (ang “unoy” ng PAMPCO), mayroon na pong nag-oorder ng maramihan ngayon,” said PAMPCO Manager Jornalyn Aglipay.
Meanwhile, Eliazar Colayot Tinio, the owner of EJ Farm and a BFMA member, expressed gratitude to the department. He said with DOST’s assistance, their “bugnay” fruit is no longer wasted.
Beneficiaries committed to sustain production and make good use of interventions granted to them.
Full episode may be accessed through this link.
Those interested in applying for the CEST program may send their proposal to the regional DOST Office or may proceed to the nearest Provincial Science and Technology Office in their area.
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