DOST-I awards P1.5M grant to skewer producers of San Juan, Ilocos Sur
San Juan, locos Sur – The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office I (DOST-I) through its Provincial Science and Technology Center – Ilocos Sur (PSTC-IS) awarded PhP1,562,000.00 grant to Lapog Harvester SLP Association for the procurement of bamboo machineries in support of the production of skewers in this town of San Juan, Ilocos Sur.
Engr. Jordan L. Abad, Officer -in- Charge of the PSTC-IS discussed the objectives of the project as he presented the different equipment for procurement which include
bamboo splitters, bamboo width and thickness slicer, stick length cutter, bamboo slicer and the stick polishing machine that will provided under the grant to improve the production of the association.
“This project will support the association not only to produce bamboo sticks but also to produce engineered bamboo products in the future,” Engr. Abad said. He added that this project will not only boost the bamboo industry in the community but in the province as a whole.
With the said project, production capabilities of skewer producers will be upgraded. It also intends to acquire appropriate production equipment that will increase efficiency of skewer production and will provide technical assistance for local bamboo producers resulting to employment generation and increased income.
The project will be implemented in partnership with the Local Government of San Juan, Ilocos Sur who pledges counterpart assistance in terms of the construction of the production building for the association.
During the awarding ceremony at the barangay office, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Deogracias Victor B. Savellano said, “this project will be a great help for the skewer producers to achieve sustainable production, economic empowerment
and ultimately improve living condition of local bamboo players and I want them to develop a toothpick as an additional product line.”
The DOST-funded project is part of the congressional initiative of the congressman who is also the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) vice chairperson that aims to assist skewer producers in Barangay Barbar towards mechanizing their production.
Cong. Savellano also lauded the DOST for spearheading the assistance to the association and assured the agency of the success of the project.
Also present during the awarding ceremony were Hon. Cresensio G. Valle, Sangguninag Bayan Member who represented Mayor Elaine A. Sarmiento, Brgy. Captain Martin P. Jimenez, Analiza U. Vivit, president of the association, provincial staff of DOST, staff of the Congressional District Representative, and other barangay officials of Barangay Barbar. (by Laurine R. Sales, Project Assistant II, DOST-1 PSTC-IS)
