DOST delivers S&T interventions to former MILF camps

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Thursday formally turned over S&T-based interventions to six former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps.

A ceremonial turnover and signing event for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) took place in Lanao del Sur for the project aimed at improving the lives of former combatants and their families. 

The initiative will employ 27 technologies across 7 different sectors:

• Health, Water and Nutrition
• Education and Digital Access
• Livelihood and Enterprise Development
• Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Resilience
• Peace and Development Impact
• Coordination, Governance and Monitoring

With a total cost of P49,448,218 under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), the project covers the following former camps:

• Camp Badre in Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur
• Camp Abubakar in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte
• Camp Omar in Datu Sangki Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur
• Camp Rajamuda in Mangudadatu, Maguindanao del Sur
• Camp Bushra in Butig, Lanao del Sur
• Camp Bilal in Tangcal, Lanao del Norte

“Sa anim na MILF camps, pinatunayan natin na ang agham ay marunong makinig sa konteksto, umangkop sa kultura, at gumalang sa kasaysayan ng bawa’t pamayanan,” DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said in his speech.

(In the six MILF camps, we’ve proven that science knows how to listen to context, adapt to cultures, and respect the history of each community.)

“Ang healing na ito ay hindi natin iniiwan sa mga salita lamang. Ito ay isinasabuhay, ibinabahagi, at ipinararamdam sa pamamagitan ng mga programang malinaw ang layunin, angkop sa konteksto, at may tunay na puso para sa komunidad,” he added.

(This healing will not just be left with words. This will be lived, distributed, and felt through programs with clear objectives, appropriate context, and a pure heart for the community.)

Solidum also expressed hope that the initiative, which is now n Phase II, will continue. —VBL, GMA Integrated News