The Department of Science and Technology Region I (DOST-I), through its Provincial Science and Technology Center- La Union (PSTC-LU), conducted calibration and water sampling services to beneficiaries of the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program in Santol, La Union last Aug. 23 to Aug. 24, 2021.
This initiative was made possible in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Santol, La Union (LGU) and the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU).
As part of the CEST program, the water sampling collection has been identified as one of the interventions under health and nutrition to ensure that the water being used for consumption is free from harmful bacteria. All the three barangays; Lettac Sur, Sabsaba, and Sapdaan use natural sources such as springs, shallow wells, and rainwater collection for their day-to-day living.
The DOST CEST staff collected a total of 37 water samples from springs, tank distributors, and households to test them if it is fit for human consumption.
To ensure the proper nutrition requirements are met by the residents, the Mass Calibration Caravan was also held to calibrate the weighing scales used in Health Centers to generate accurate and reliable data in accessing the nutritional situation in the community.
Jonathan Viernes, Provincial S&T Director of La Union, led the Mass Calibration Caravan with Raymond Espe, Science Research Specialist I, facilitating the calibration. Through the activity, 22 weighing scales from barangay health centers, private entities, and market vendors were calibrated and stamped with calibration stickers valid for six (6) months while three (3) defective units were taken back to the Office of Treasury to be fixed and recalibrated.
PSTC – La Union and LGU of Santol also conducted training on meal planning for the Management of Prevalent Illnesses to impart knowledge on nutrition with aim of reducing the prevalence of food-borne and water-borne illnesses. The seminar also provided the barangay health workers with useful information on preparing a balanced diet so they can pass on the knowledge to the community members.
During the said activity, the barangay health workers from Lettac Sur, Sabsaba, and Sapdaan were informed of the importance of the nutritional value of each meal. Food safety and sanitation practices were also imparted. The participants were also made aware of food buying mistakes that they should avoid for healthier daily food consumption.
These activities will certainly create a lasting impact in the community and are expected to improve their living conditions. DOST-I, through the CEST program, pledged to continue to provide sustainable assistance and interventions that would encourage the growth and development of the whole community. Lastly, in implementing the CEST program, the DOST extended its gratitude and appreciation to local government officials led by Mayor Magno A. Wailan and Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, for their unending support for the implementation of the program in Santol, La Union.
(Christian Jastine Mendoza, DOST PSTC-LU) (DOST) – bny
