THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has strengthened its peacebuilding efforts in Mindanao via the supply of science- and technology-based interventions in six beforehand acknowledged Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps.
This initiative underscores the federal government’s dedication to inclusive growth in former conflict-affected areas.
Led by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., this system was formalized via the ceremonial turnover of applied sciences and the signing of a memorandum of settlement for the mission titled “Empowering the Six Previously Acknowledged MILF Camps in Mindanao through the Provision of Science and Technology Interventions.”
Activities have been held at Camp Bushra in Butig, Lanao del Sur, and Camp Bilal in Tangcal, Lanao del Norte.
The initiative is carried out in partnership with Member of Parliament Basit “Jannati Mimbatas” Abbas; MILF chairman of Camp Bushra and consultant of the Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation; and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru), headed by Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., who was represented throughout the occasion by Presidential Assistant David B. Diciano.
Abbas shared that beneficiaries expressed happiness upon studying concerning the initiative and warmly welcomed the assist.
He described this system as distinct from different authorities interventions due to its robust grassroots attain and the private presence of DOST management, which helped strengthen belief and partnership throughout the communities.
The exercise was attended by DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, undersecretary for Special Concerns Dr. Teodoro M. Gatchalian, and DOST Soccsksargen Director and Project Leader Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, reflecting the division’s unified assist for peace-oriented growth.
The initiative covers Camp Bushra, Camp Bilal, Camp Badre, Camp Omar, Camp Abubakar, and Camp Rajahmuda.
Interventions have been developed in shut coordination with native leaders and group members to make sure cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and responsiveness to native priorities.
Key interventions targeted on well being, water, training, and livelihoods. These embody the set up of six solar-powered Level II water methods serving greater than 300 households, the deployment of SAFEWATRS water remedy applied sciences, and the conduct of meals security coaching, Halal compliance orientation, and fundamental diet actions.
In training, six Starbooks Learning Hubs outfitted with Starlink connectivity have been established, benefiting over 600 learners and educators.
Meanwhile, science-based livelihood applied sciences, corresponding to meals processing, dressmaking, weaving, abaca manufacturing, and aquaculture initiatives, straight supported greater than 300 group members and strengthened native financial self-reliance.
All applied sciences and amenities have been designed with catastrophe threat discount and local weather resilience concerns, using solar-powered and energy-efficient methods.
Capacity-building actions have been performed from July to October 2025, overlaying meals processing, aquaculture, livestock manufacturing, vegetable farming, and enterprise growth.
Follow-through mentoring and enterprise strengthening actions are scheduled for 2026 to make sure long-term sustainability.
According to Solidum, “science is for peace and development,” emphasizing that science gives communities with the instruments wanted to construct sustainable and productive lives.
The initiative is carried out in shut coordination with Opapru, the Government of the Philippines Peace Implementing Panel, the Joint Task Force for Camps Transformation, native authorities models, and group leaders.
Through this program, DOST reaffirms its dedication to advancing peace via science and expertise—constructing stronger, extra resilient communities and contributing to a peaceable and progressive Mindanao. (PR)