The Department of Science and Technology Region XI (DOST XI) officially launched its Hydraulic Ram Pump Water System, Chocolate Processing Facility, and solar-powered street lights projects in Barangay Lumiad, Paquibato District last June 22, 2023.
These initiatives form part of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) to assist the identified Geographically Isolated and Depressed Areas (GIDA).
Mr. Arnel M. Rodriguez, DOST Davao City Science & Technology Director, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Mr. Edgardo Haspe, representing Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Director Olie Dagala of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and Mr. Hasyim Ampatuan of MS3 Agriventures Inc. graced the event.
Hon. Celso C. Bughao Sr., Barangay Captain of the Local Government Unit of Lumiad, said the projects will greatly benefit Barangay Lumiad. He thanked DOST XI and other stakeholders who are helping them develop cacao farming in their area.
“Karun niana na ta sa kalinaw ug kalamboan sa atuang Barangay. Niana na pud ang DOST nakiglambigit para sa atong kalamboan. Kini atong pasalamatan. Kami nagpasalamat kinasing-kasing ug mainiton among pagpasalamat. (Peace and prosperity is now here in our barangay. DOST is here involved in our development. We are heartily grateful and we express our warmest thanks),” he said.
Celso A. Bughao Jr., LUFAMPCO President, said they did not expect that they would reach this point. “Daghan kaayong salamat sa inyoha. Among paningkamotan nga among ampingan ug mahimong produktibo ang inyong gihatag sa moa, na magamit ug makahatag ug trabaho sa toang mga miyembro. (Thank you very much to all of you. We’ll ensure that we’ll look after the things you provided us and be productive, that they’ll be used to generate jobs for our members.)” he tearfully said. “Mupadayon ang kooperatiba sa Lumiad. (The Lumiad Cooperative will see to it that the project will continue.)”
Maj. Rudini C. Bugador (INF) PA, Executive Officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion, said he hopes the programs would continue and develop. “Kani adtong mga panahona pangarap pa lang siya […] Nahimo jud na siyang reality karon. Dili na siya mahimog realidad kung wala ta nagtinabangay. (In the past these were just dreams, but now they have become a reality. These would not be possible if we didn’t work together.)” he said.
“Hinaut na mahimo kamong solid na cooperative ug producer, national producers ta sa chocolate sa umaabot na panahon. (Here’s to wishing the cooperative will become national producers of chocolate in the coming years.)” he added. S&T City Director Rodriguez said about the project, “Nasugdan na siya sa DOST XI ug nakita na ninyo nga aduna siya’y kaayuhan. Ang bola naa na sa inyoha. Hopefully after this, inyoha ni mas mapalambo, mabantayan ninyo, ug ma-atiman. (DOST XI has already started and you’ve seen its goodness. The ball is now in your court. Hopefully, you will develop and take care of it.) (PR/DOST XI)
