Pasil is Best CEST Community in Cordillera

Pasil, Kalinga – The Municipality of Pasil under the leadership of Mayor Alfredo Malannag Jr. was recently named Best Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) in the region for its heirloom rice production.

DOST-CAR’s Supervising Science Specialist, Engr. Angel Maguen said that this qualified the Pasil CEST as one of the 6 finalists for the National CEST which will be declared during the NSTW this November.

The municipality of Pasil is known as the main producer of the ‘unoy’ rice, a Kalinga heirloom rice that has gained popularity in the local and international market having reached Montana, USA.

‘Unoy’ rice which is organically produced is the One Town One Product of the municipality as endorsed by the Pasil Multi-purpose Cooperative (PAMPCO), according to Assistant Municipal Agriculturist Victor Aglipay.

Pasil MPC is a registered cooperative accredited by the Provincial Government through Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Dave Odiem, and the Department of Agriculture.

The cooperative, Aglipay added, “has a partnership with other government agencies like DOST, DTI, DAR, DA, and other private organizations.”

With its economic development, the community reported a 150% increase in new markets and a 5% increase in sales.

Under Health and Nutrition, there is a 53% decrease in the number of wasted and severely wasted children.

Pasil received P200,000 worth of project as reward being a regional winner and have a chance to get additional P500,000 cash and a plaque of recognition from the CEST national.

Impact of packaging technology assistance

PAMPCO member Delia Wail stated that with the packaging technology assistance, they were able to promote their products such as the heirloom rice through various platforms with courage.

“Han kami nga agbain a mangilako ta nai-package metten, adda ti nagan na ken diay price ket adda impact na,” Wail said.

Expression of Pasil LGU’s gratitude

On behalf of the local government of Pasil, Municipal Coordinator Designate extended gratitude “for giving Pasil the opportunity to participate for the search for CEST and for garnering the provincial and regional Best CEST Community.

“LGU Pasil will continue to support all the programs and activities to be implemented for the monitoring and supervision of the implemented programs of DOST,” the coordinator committed.

Other projects

Municipal Nutrition Action Officer, Dr. Marjorie Silawon meanwhile disclosed that the Bigba Curls complementary food another CEST project provided through DOST in 2019 have also greatly contributed to the health and nutrition of children.

The community has 1400% increase in number of DOST scholarship applicants. One of the scholar graduated as magna cum laude with 2 Starbooks provided. The scholarship is for human resource development.

One forum of solid waste management was recorded for its environmental protection and conservation.

As to the disaster risk reduction management and climate change adaptation, the community maintained 1 automated rain gauge (ARG) and promoted several trainings and technologies.

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