Mabalacat City College Signs an Agreement and Formation of Partnership with Department of Science and Technology and LGU of Mabalacat City

As part of the Mabalacat City College proposed project on empowering the Indigenous People (IP) Community of Sitio Haduan, MCC, through its College President Dr. Michelle Aguilar-Ong, together with Dr. Melanie Viloria-Briones, Vice President for Research and Extension Services, Ms. Happy S. Pelayo, Vice-President for Administration and the Project Team Leader Josevy Avena Taguibao, Research Director of Center for Research and Development (CRD) purposely signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Ms. Mary Michelle M. Quiambao, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) Director, and Hon. Crisostomo C. Garbo, City Mayor held at Mabalacat City Hall, June 17, 2021.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between MCC and Mabalacat Local Government Unit (LGU) with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region III for the proposed project, “Community Empowerment through Science and Technology in Sitio Haduan: Equipping Local Residents with Necessary Skills and Competence" paved way in identifying the main issues that need interventions such as the establishment of cooperative associations for livelihood opportunities and regulation, vulnerable population of Balakat trees, lack of a water filter, lack of training on organic farming, lack of training on pest management, and a functional health center in the community of Sitio Haduan, Marcos Village.

Hon. Crisostomo C. Garbo showed his utmost support in the local project of MCC and DOST – Pampanga by quoting the good effects of having partnerships in the community of Sitio Haduan in promoting and making it a tourist spot among visitors. According to Ms. Quiambao, this project endeavors to embark on sustainability in the community of Sitio Haduan, thus promoting its livelihood tourism. Mabalacat City College, primarily in charge of forging partnerships with the community, also strengthens its advocacy currently centered on literacy improvement, environmental awareness, and cultural preservation.

On the other hand, President Ong said that this project will make a huge impact on the adopted community of the college stressing the importance of local colleges as economic drivers.