CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched the Science and Technology Action Frontline for Emergencies and Hazards in the AANR Sector or SAFE program partnering with state universities and colleges in the Cordillera.
A total amount of P43 million was awarded to three universities and three colleges for projects aimed to capacitate farmers, barangay and municipal officials on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation and mitigation through science and technology interventions at the farm level and communities in the region.
Abra State Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST) received P6.9 million; Apayao State College got P6.3M; Benguet State University was awarded P10.3M; Ifugao State University – P6.1M; Kalinga State University – P6.3; and Mtn. Province State Polytechnic College – P7 million.
Partner SUCs provided a P10.6 million counterpart fund. Other partners are the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, and the Highland Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium.
ASIST’s project is on disaster risk reduction due to climate change on vulnerable vegetables in Abra; ASC on disaster risk reduction on vulnerable agricultural farms in Apayao; BSU on disaster risk reduction on vulnerable terrace farms in Benguet; ISU on disaster risk reduction on vulnerable rice and vegetable farms in Ifugao; KSU on disaster risk reduction on vulnerable coffee farms in Kalinga; and MPSPC on disaster risk reduction on vulnerable farms in Mtn. Province.
Twelve municipalities in CAR provinces are covered under the program, namely Lagangilang and Licuan Baay in Abra; Luna and Kabugao in Apayao; Kibungan and Tublay in Benguet; Kiangan and Lamut in Ifugao; Tabuk and Tinglayan in Kalinga, and Bauko and Sadanga in Mtn. Province.
DOST-CAR Director Victor Mariano said another P43M is being worked out for the establishment of laboratory facilities and for continuing research.** PIA Kalinga
