The Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera launched two research programs that seek to contribute in the preservation of the region’s mountains amidst natural disasters and urbanization through innovative engineering solutions and ensure water security and climate resiliency for the communities in the Cordillera.
The first program, which is funded under the S4CP Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER), namely, “Program Boondock: A mountain engineering center towards sustainable infrastructure and upland water security” is a collaborative effort of the DOST-Cordillera with the University of the Cordilleras, Kalinga State University, Saint Louis University, and the Watershed and Water Resources Research, Development and Extension Center (WWRRDEC), one of the Research Centers of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau.
The program seeks to enhance the industrial competitiveness of the Cordillera in the field of agriculture, tourism, and mobility through mountain engineering solutions and promote social and human development through upland water security, and environmental sustainability.
The second program, which is funded under the DOST-NRCP grants-in-aid, titled “Ensuring water security and climate-resilience for mountain indigenous communities of the Cordillera through technology-enhanced decision support tools”, is expected to bring about sufficient, clean and safe domestic water supply in mountain communities especially during the dry season.
The program, which is a partnership of DOST-Cordillera with the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College and UC, will provide the necessary data and information to support decisions on water resources development for water supply that are more resilient to climate change and climate variability.
It also seeks to establish technology enhanced information and decision support system for the conservation and protection of the rivers and watersheds of the Cordillera. – Press release
