COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT OF SITIO HADUAN THROUGH SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY: ESTABLISHMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE READY
After administrative processes have been completed to secure the funding of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to the Mabalacat City College (MCC) in the amount of Php2,324,952.00 for the project titled “BAgong pag-asa LAyon para sa mga kapatid na KATutubo: Community Empowerment Through Science and Technology in Sitio Haduan: Equipping Local Residents with Necessary Skills and Competence,” our shared vision together with the City Government Unit (CGU) of Mabalacat to see the indigenous community of Sitio Haduan becoming an empowered community is now definitely ready to take off. This first basic procedure is, in government parlance, a crucial, transparent, and rigorous step before any program can be launched to make sure that things start right.
Now that necessary tools, supplies and equipment are in place through the funding of the DOST, construction of facilities, and other maintenance requirements where the counterpart of the local government and the MCC as the implementing agency will now commence. This will include the establishment of the Balakat Sanctuary at the community which will propagate the Balakat trees (a name of tree species where the name of the city was derived) that will produce the much-anticipated balakat-tea, Greenhouse at MCC, and Hiking Trail from the hanging bridge heading towards the majestic and pristine waterfalls situated in the hidden paradise of Sitio Haduan.
Empowering the community involves, as a matter of basic component, the preparation of the community in a comprehensive and socially inclusive way. For this reason, a series of training targeted towards sustainability is set to be conducted. This series will cover areas that are of Community Focus, Technical Focus, Organizational and Enterprise Focus.
The desired outcomes at every stage will continue to happen amidst various challenges because of the committed, indefatigable and inspirational leadership exemplified by the three cooperating institutions, i.e., the DOSTR3 led by Regional Director Julius Caesar V. Sicat, the City Government of Mabalacat led by Hon. Mayor Crisostomo C. Garbo, and the Mabalacat City College headed by President Michelle Aguilar-Ong.
