BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Sablan, a fourth class municipality in Benguet, was awarded as the 2025 Best Local Government Unit implementer of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program of the Department of Science and Technology in the Cordillera region.
Sablan Mayor Alfredo Dacumos Jr. received the plaque of recognition and P200,000 prize from DOST officials headed by Secretary Renato Solidum Jr, Undersecretary Sancho Mabborang, ASec. Maria Teresa De Guzman and DOST-CAR Regional Director Nancy Bantog during the 2025 Regional S&T Week (RSTW) Opening Program here on August 7.
The CEST program aims to empower marginalized communities through the provision of S&T-based interventions and primarily focuses on five key areas, namely: economic/livelihood development, health and nutrition improvement, human resource development, environmental protection and disaster risk reduction and management.
Through the Benguet Provincial S&T Center, the Municipality successfully leverages science, technology, and innovation to enhance public services, improve livelihoods, and empower the community. The CEST projects for cacao coffee farmers and processors led to the development of their own “Sabdang Brew,” cacao vinegar which is made from the juice of cacao beans.
The municipality is also a beneficiary of STARBOOKS digital library for elementary and high schools.
The DOST also provided communication equipment for the municipal DRRM office and the Automated Weather Station and sensor equipment for the landslide monitoring system. The latest is the CEST Project: Water-wise Farming for Environmental Sustainability for the Municipal Techno-demo/Learning Site at Payda, Bayabas Sablan Benguet.
Dacumos expressed gratitude to the DOST and its other partner agencies as well as the municipal stakeholders who worked for the attainment of Sablan being adjudged as the 2025 Best Provincial CEST awardee for Benguet and for the Regional plum that made them Cordillera’s representative/nominee for the national award.
“Though we are honored to be chosen as an awardee, we acknowledge that we are only beginning. We still need continued support from our partners, especially national agencies like the DOST, other line agencies, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders. Sustainable development through science, technology and innovation requires long-term collaboration, investment, and commitment,” Dacumos stressed.
“As we strive for regional recognition, let this serve as inspiration to remain grounded, focused, and united in our pursuit of inclusive and science-based development. Together, we can build a stronger, smarter, and more empowered Sablan”, he added.
Meantime, Solidum, in his keynote message during the RSTW in CAR opening program, affirmed DOST’s continuing commitment in bringing in STI, as a driver of community development and inclusive growth in Cordillera and the other parts of the country.
“The DOST shall remain a steadfast partner in the Cordillera’s progress, championing expanded livelihood opportunities, strengthened community resilience and the growth of innovation-driven local industries. Through STI, DOST continues to deliver relevant and effective solutions and opportunities for all!”, Solidum stressed. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR
