The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has turned over the Php 2.7 million fund for the Community Empowerment Thru Science and Technology (CEST) program external projects to the City Government of Malaybalay on July 15, 2020.

During the turnover ceremony held at the City Mayor’s Office, Provincial Science and Technology Director Virgilio M. Fuertes said that the beneficiaries of this program were identified last year based on the outcome of the strategic planning conducted in coordination with the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO).

Director Fuertes added that series of proposals and reviews were done, and out of 13 proposals, 12 were given funding. The six of these internal projects will go through the City Government procurement process while the others will be done through the DOST.

CPDO coordinator Adrian Gamboa, also the City’s CEST program leader, said he will take the responsibility granted to him. He expressed gratitude for the outcome of the project in partnership with the DOST to further its mission empowering the beneficiaries.

Representing the City Government, Brian Nelson T. Flores, Executive Assistant IV, congratulated everyone for a successful collaboration and strong partnership that this project entails. City Administrator Herculano S. Ronolo also expressed his gratitude to DOST for choosing Malaybalay City as one of the recipients which is hoped to significantly spur the economy amid the current crisis