BALBALAN, Kalinga–The province will represent the Cordillera Region in this year’s National Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Best Implementer Search of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
DOST-Kalinga Head Jasmin Donaal said Papaltungon Coffee Producers Association of this municipality is vying for the national award for the second time.
Papaltungon, a community-based coffee farmers association, is being assisted by the DOST in the production and processing of highland coffee products.It won as Regional Best CEST Implementer for creating another industry from waste materials by applying the coffee rejuvenation technology.
Papaltungon farmers process the cut timber from pruned coffee trees into souvenir items and other finished products for additional income to the association.
Among the coffee wood products of Papaltungon now being marketed include Christmas trees, candle holders, curtain decors, fish decors and other items.
To further develop the Papaltungon coffee rejuvenation project, Kalinga State University has adopted it as an extension project of the College of Forestry where trainings are provided. DOST also provides consultancy assistance.
In 2019, the association received P200, 000-worth of equipment incentive as the Regional Best CEST Implementer.**JDP/LL-PIA CAR, Kalinga
