During the Christmas Celebration of DOST R02, the PSTC Nueva Vizcaya was recognized as the Best CEST Projects implementer in Region 2. The Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) is a program of DOST to alleviate the socioeconomic condition of the marginalized segments of the society by providing & transferring technology-based projects in education, health and nutrition, water & sanitation, disaster risk reduction, and industry development or livelihood.

Through CEST program, DOST aims to provide livelihood and alleviate poverty in remote areas.

Tracing back the implementation of the program, the PSTC Nueva Vizcaya has established and maintained 5 out of 16 municipalities in the province as recipients of the program. These are the municipalities of Alfonso Castaňeda, Aritao, Dupax del Norte, Kayapa & Santa Fe. Almost all the focus areas of the program have been provided for them.

The technologies provided include STARBOOKS — a digital stand-alone library, ceramic water filter, automatic rain gauges & water level monitoring systems, feeding on complementary foods and different livelihood projects depending on the existing and viable livelihood of the communities.

Engr. Jonathan R. Nuestro said during the PSTC Congress, “For the CEST projects to be successful, identification of the need of the community to be enrolled is very significant. It would be the basis of the technology interventions that would be provided.”

He further added, “Inception meeting before commencing implementation, regular monitoring and educating the association is very essential in the successful implementation of the CEST projects.”

Provincial Directors in region 02 have been allocated 1M to disburse for CEST livelihood projects.