THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology, through the Provincial Science and Technology Office –Pangasinan, conducted a blended planning activity for government and educational institutions under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology program.

Representatives from the local government units of Bolinao and Dagupan, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Pangasinan State University, Universidad de Dagupan and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Provincial Fisheries Office–Pangasinan attended the learning event, held from March 28-29, 2023.

Arnold Santos, provincial S&T director, emphasized the importance of stakeholder’s active participation in achieving the program’s goal of improving people’s lives through science and technology.

“I sincerely hope that through our combined efforts, we will be able to pinpoint workable initiatives and projects that will have an impact on those in our community, and that we genuinely achieve our main objective of empowering them,” he said.

The results of the community needs assessment in the five entry points of CEST – Livelihood/Economic and Enterprise Development, Health and Nutrition, Environmental Protection and Conservation, Human Resource Development, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation – were presented during the planning session for the group to craft a plan, define the roles of stakeholders and identify necessary interventions.

The stakeholders determined the appropriate trainings, activities and S&T interventions based on the needs, issues and opportunities identified.