DAVAO DE ORO – True to its goal in promoting and supporting Grassroots Innovations, the Department of Science and Technology XI (DOST-XI), in collaboration with the Learning by Doing Technology, Inc. (LeadTech) and Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), successfully conducted a SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping at Barangay Manurigao, New Bataan, Davao de Oro last 7-9 November 2021 for the implementation of the community's Agro-Ecology and Renewable Energy R&D Program.
Dubbed as “SalikLakbay” which means exploring while going through an adventure, the activity unraveled existing grassroots innovations developed and used by the Mandaya tribe of Manurigao in New Bataan. These included heritage food specialties like Ginimbal, Tamo, Tyabidak, Bao, and other delicacies wherein upland rice is the major ingredient. They also have Nilutlot na Manok – a local delicacy using chopped native chicken meat seasoned with spices from their own produce and cooked inside a bamboo.
Other grassroots innovations of the Mandaya tribe are the Winder or Twiner for the stripped abaca and the Skylab, a local motor ride equipped with chains on its wheels to serve as additional spikes that suit the terrain of Barangay Manurigao.
Aside from solutions mapping, DOST-XI also presented plans to further develop and elevate the livelihood of communities especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) like Barangay Manurigao. Provincial S&T Center-Davao de Oro Provincial Director Laarnie Albacite also bared plans to roll-out S&T programs and interventions for the development and sustainability of their livelihood.
The group also visited the micro-grid solar PV system which now supplies electricity to the communities in Manurigao. It was installed in the barangay thru a project implemented by the AdDU research team with funding support from DOST.
The activity was led by DOST-XI Regional Director, Dr. Anthony C. Sales, CESO III together with LeadTech owner, Engr. Reyman Zamora, and AdDU Aerospace Engineering Department Chair, Dr. Rogel Mari D. Sese.
SalikLakbay Solutions Mapping is one of the activities under the Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) Program of DOST-XI. It targets to utilize and promote community-led solutions and innovations that will stimulate overall growth of grassroots communities. Likewise, GRIND was one of the many innovations bannered by DOST-XI during their celebration of the Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW).
Incidentally, the whole DOST system, including DOST-XI, together with the entire nation is virtually celebrating the 2021 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) from 22-28 November 2021 with the theme, “Agham at Teknolohiya: Tugon sa Hamon ng Panahaon”.
For more information on other DOST knowledge products, services and innovations featured at the 2021 NSTW, just visit the NSTW website at http://nstw.dost.gov.ph. You can also check and follow the NSTW Facebook page at https://web.facebook.com/nstwdost. (Source: DOST XI S&T Information and Promotion)
