As part of MMSU’s continuing commitment in the implementation of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program in various communities in region 1, the University participated in the recently conducted Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing Ceremony to formally forge partnership with six (6) community partners for the 2023 CEST Communities. 

The signing was conducted on May 16, 2023 at the DMMMSU International Convention Center, Sapilang, Bacnotan, La Union. DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang together with DOST Region 1 OIC-RD Teresita A. Tabaog graced the occasion.  Distinguished officials and representatives of the various collaborating and participating agencies attended the activity. 

The Local Government Units (LGUs) included in the CEST project this year are Nueva Era in Ilocos Norte, San Emilio in Ilocos Sur, Aringay and Sto. Tomas in La Union, and Dagupan City and Bolinao in Pangasinan.

As one of the project partners, Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyog, Vice President for Research and Extension delivered his message of commitment, in behalf of MMSU President, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis.  Dr. Marilou P. Lucas, Director for Extension also attended the activity.

In his message, Dr. Alibuyog reaffirms MMSU’s collective commitment to promoting sustainable development, improving the quality of life of the community people and fostering economic growth in various communities through S&T.   He ensured that the University will be extending its services beyond academia by conducting training programs and knowledge sharing to the different service areas covered by CEST program.

To recall, MMSU continuously participated in the different activities initiated by DOST through its Ilocos Norte Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) in the implementation of the CEST program which benefited Dumalneg, Carasi and Adams and currently, Nueva Era., Ilocos Norte.  The program aims to build a progressive, gender responsive, empowered and resilient community that will ultimately improve the quality of life of the community people through Science and Technology. 

Among the activities already conducted in Nueva Era include advocacy meeting with LGU Nueva Era and community needs assessment with the community members.  Focused Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted to facilitate data gathering.  A CEST Core group was also created to identify possible interventions as a result of the community needs assessment conducted in the area.  The team was composed of DOST, LGU-Nueva Era, DTI and other partner agencies including MMSU. 

As a comprehensive institution of higher learning in the Ilocos region and as one of the project partners of the CEST program, the University will be providing technical experts to implement various development projects; ensure the alignment of the program’s thrusts and operations with the University’s vision and mission; assist in the provision of technical assistance needed during and even after the program implementation; assist in the monitoring, evaluation, and documentation of the program activities; conduct impact assessment of the project; deploy appropriate S&T developed technologies, equipment, and intervention of the university to the community; assist in the identification of alternative courses of action to address problems met during the implementation of the project and designate a program focal person for communication and coordination in the implementation of the program. 

With the expertise of the various participating agencies and with the full support and commitment of the LGUs concerned, the success of the CEST program to empowering lives and building communities will be achieved (MRG). ###

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