The Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera Administrative Region approved the grant for the improvement of the woodcarving “pa-ot” industry in Asin and Dairy Processing in Dontongan, Baguio City which are set for implementation this year.
DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy A. Bantog, LGU-Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, the representatives of the Woodcarvers from Asin Road and Mr. Jose Ernesto Panlaqui, Manager of the Mountain High Dairy Cooperative (MHDC) signed the Memoranda of Agreement for the said projects on May 24, 2022 at the Baguio City Multipurpose Hall for the implementation of the said projects.
The project on the Woodcarving “Pa-ot” Industry of Baguio City aims to enhance the existing woodcarving products and develop sustainable livelihood program on carving.
This project was initiated by Mayor Magalong in coordination with the DOST Provincial Science and Technology Center of Benguet, hence, the series of meetings conducted with the Barangay Local Government Unit of Asin and woodcarvers’ representatives including partners such as the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) and DTI-Benguet.
DOST will fund the project amounting to PhP1,262,034.00 intended for the conduct of capability building trainings and product development for Phase I implementation this year. The Phase II, will be the establishment of Common Service Facility on wood treatment or drying facility through the DOST-FPRDI technology- kiln dryer.
The DCP, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), will be tapped for the capacity building on woodcarving industry trends and product development.
Likewise, the DTI-Benguet will collaborate to provide assistance for the beneficiaries to maximize and penetrate online and physical marketing platforms.
Meanwhile, DOST-CAR will provide funds amounting to PhP 375,700.00 to improve the production process of the Mountain High Dairy Cooperative in Dontongan, Baguio City. The project covers the provision of processing and packaging technology, conduct of training, product laboratory tests, and improvement of packaging label.
During her message, DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog encouraged the beneficiaries to practice the culture of productivity, sustainability, innovation, and creativity for the project to succeed.
Meanwhile, Mayor Magalong extended his gratitude to DOST and all other stakeholders for the partnership and projects that will help boost the livelihood activities in the city.
Present also during the signing of the Memoranda of Agreement were DOST- PSTC Benguet Director Dr. Sheila Marie B. Singa-Claver, DTI-Benguet Director Atty. Samuel Gallardo, Baguio City Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, DOST-CAR Asst. Regional Director- Field Operations Services Engr. Angel Maguen, and BLGU-Asin Barangay Captain Jaime Candido.**CGD
