Representatives of farmers’ associations receive financial assistance for agricultural and food processing project from DOST-IX PSTC ZSP Director Jennifer A. Pidor and personnel.

Two (2) farmers’ associations in Zamboanga Sibugay recently received S&T grant amounting to ₱1,408,500 from the Department of Science and Technology Region IX (DOST-IX) for the development of the groups’ food processing capabilities.

The Guinoman Farmers Associations (GFA) in Diplahan, Zamboanga SIbugay wil make use of the financial assistance to upgrade their traditional sun-drying grain processing to mechanical drying with specific technological intervention introduced by DOST-IX.

(Left) Traditional sun-drying and (Right) Mechanical drying facility

Acquired through the agency’s Grants-in-Aid (GIA) program, the mechanical dryer is capable of handling up to six (6) tons of raw material at a faster rate, unlike the traditional method which is limited by physical space and weather conditions.

Another beneficiary of the same grant is the Guinoman Alsa Masa Association and Service Provider (GAMASP), for the construction of a livelihood facility and the procurement of supplies and equipment used for banana chips production and buko juice processing.

The project is in line with Executive Order 70 and the efforts of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) that aims to institutionalize the integration of S&T-based solutions relevant to the National Peace Framework. Through the DOST-IX’s assistance, the farmer-beneficiaries will be able to improve their income and become productive citizens capable of contributing to the development of their communities.

For more information, please call (062) 991-1024/ 955-0825 or text 0917 718 3645 and look for Jeyzel P. Aparri, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DOSTRegion9 (JKCabral, DOST IX Press Release)