FORTY members of the Asosasyon Sang Mangunguma sa Barangay Inolingan (ASMBI) in Moises Padilla received livelihood equipment from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently.
The P351,323 worth of livelihood equipment included a table top vegetable cutter, meat grinder, two-tank gas fryer, universal pulverizer, meat slicer, chest freezer, sausage filler, stainless table, food processor, and a band sealer.
This is part of the DOST's livelihood project in partnership with the Municipal Government of Moises Padilla.
Fifth District Representative Ma. Lourdes Arroyo, in a video message, lauded the association for being self-sustaining that is needed in this time of pandemic.
Arroyo said the products of the member-farmers can help the district, province, and even the country.
She added that the program is promising for the community, but reminded everyone that its success relies on the community's cooperation.
The official also assured support to the farmers.
Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo, who spoke during the project launching and turnover rites in the southern Negros Occidental town, asked the ASMBI members to take care of the project and be an inspiration to other members of the community.
The reason, she said, why they were chosen for the project is due to the association's diligence.
The local government is always ready to listen to the needs of the people, Garcia-Yulo said, assuring that her office is always open for any project proposals as she expressed confidence that officials in the province will help the town.
DOST-Negros Occidental Director Allan Francis Daraug, who was also present at the activity, said they can provide a free packaging design and label for the products of the farmers' association subject to the latter's approval.
For her part, ASMBI Processing Head Melanie Tuya said they are thankful for the livelihood equipment given to them.
Tuya said it will help them with their vegan pancit canton production. Also, the equipment will enable them to expand their venture to meat processing.
Meanwhile, Inolingan Elementary School received a desktop computer with Starbooks installed, the first Philippine science digital library developed by the DOST in partnership with Science and Technology Information Institute (STII), amounting to P42,000.
The activity is part of the DOST's project on empowering communities through science and technology which is composed of livelihood and economic enterprise development, health and nutrition, human resource and development, environmental protection and conservation, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation which will run for one year while being monitored by the agency. (EPN)