Dagupan City has taken a critical step toward addressing food security by joining the 2023 Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, aligning its initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger. This partnership aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities and combat food insecurity among disadvantaged communities in the region. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on Tuesday, May 16, between the local government and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), represented by Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez, DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, OIC Regional Director Dr. Teresita Tabaog, and partner agencies.

CEST is expected to open new avenues for income generation among marginalized residents, providing them with vital support through science and technology-based interventions that enhance food production, agricultural practices, and sustainable livelihoods. Mayor Fernandez discussed the program’s impact on food security and poverty reduction with La Union Provincial Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega and USEC. Mabborang, emphasizing the importance of reaching remote communities to address basic needs and empower local food systems.

Under the leadership of DOST Secretary Engr. Renato Solidum Jr., CEST is a national government program focused on poverty alleviation and food security in rural and underserved areas. In Dagupan, the initiative will support specific communities with limited access to food resources, including Sitio Tocok in Brgy. Lucao, Sitio Talaib in Brgy. Calmay, and Sitio Guibang in Brgy. Pantal.

In her message of commitment, Mayor Belen underscored her dedication to food security and sustainable development in Dagupan. She remarked, "I therefore join you and all the other stakeholders in taking the challenge...the collaborative efforts by all the partners are truly inspiring because of this effort to reach out to those who have long been left behind." She added, "Dagupan has always given the highest preferential attention to these communities ever since I became city mayor back in 2013, and our efforts have not ceased to bring government closer to our people."

Representing Universidad de Dagupan (UdD) at the DOST-CEST MOA Signing Ceremony was Dr. Ruby Rosa Cruz, the Director for Research and Extension, who will be a key partner in implementing the program’s goals. Dr. Cruz will work alongside local government units and community stakeholders to ensure that science and technology interventions enhance food availability and nutritional resilience in the city’s vulnerable areas.

Mayor Belen was joined at the MOA signing, held at the DMMMSU International Convention Center in Bacnotan, La Union, by Atty. Cattleya de Guzman, City Agriculture Officer-In-Charge Patrick Dizon, Barangay Captain Julie Perez (Pantal), Evangelita dela Cruz (Calmay), and Barangay Secretary Alex Garcia, who represented Liga ng mga Barangay President and Lucao Barangay Captain Lino Fernandez.

Vice Governor Lambino accepted the CEST program on behalf of Pangasinan Province, and Congressman Toff de Venecia, represented by Atty. Gerald Tabadero, also pledged support for the program in Pangasinan’s Fourth District.

The implementation of the CEST program in Dagupan will receive critical support from institutions focused on agriculture and education, including Pangasinan State University (PSU), Universidad de Dagupan (UdD), Philippine Science High School-Ilocos Region Campus, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Department of Agriculture (DA-RO1), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region 1, and Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corporation. Together, they will advance a science-based approach to building sustainable food production and reducing hunger in Dagupan City’s underserved areas.

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