CAPIZ — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)–Capiz has partnered with the local government unit (LGU) of Sigma to roll out capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving household nutrition and promoting smart farming practices in Barangay Cogon.
The initiative, implemented under the DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program, engaged 35 mothers and 30 farmers from the barangay. The activities provided participants with practical knowledge and tools to enhance family health and agricultural productivity.
Nutrition training for mothers
Women in the community underwent nutrition training led by Ailyn C. Casia, Technical Assistant III of DOST Western Visayas. The session focused on the Pinggang Pinoy (Filipino Plate) model, which promotes balanced and portion-controlled meals.
Participants learned about the three basic food groups—Go, Grow, and Glow—and how to incorporate them into daily meal preparation. The training also emphasized proper food portions and meal planning strategies aligned with recommended nutritional standards.
One mother expressed gratitude for the initiative, saying in Hiligaynon, “Salamat gid sa training, subong kahibalo na ako sang sakto nga proporsyon sang pagkaon para sa akon mga bata.”
Smart farming solutions introduced
Meanwhile, farmers attended a workshop facilitated by Engr. Rem Rose T. Malaga, Project Technical Specialist III of Project SARAI (Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines).
The session introduced data-driven technologies designed to improve farm decision-making and productivity. These included the Automatic Weather Station (AWS) for real-time weather monitoring; the Water Advisory for Irrigation Scheduling System (WAISS) to optimize irrigation planning; the Smarter Pest Identification Technology (SPIDTECH) for pest management; BanaTech, a banana harvest date calculator; and the Community-Level SARAI Enhanced Agricultural Monitoring System (CL-SEAMS) for crop monitoring.
Participants were also guided on how to access the SARAI Knowledge Portal, which provides weather forecasts, soil data, and other relevant agricultural information.
One farmer welcomed the initiative, saying, “Manami gid nga may muni na nga klase sang sistema nga makabulig gid sa amon sa pagtanom kag sa pagdesisyon kun san-o nami magtanom kag mag-ani.”
DOST Western Visayas said the activities reflect its continued collaboration with the Sigma LGU and Barangay Cogon residents to strengthen food security and community resilience through science and technology.
The agency underscored that empowering communities through education and innovation remains central to its mission of driving inclusive development and ensuring that technological advancements benefit grassroots sectors./PN
