The Department of Science and Technology-Cordillera, Saint Louis University, Bauko local government, and Towadan-Bito Farmers’ Association (TBFA) signed a memorandum of agreement for the establishment of Cableways for Agricultural Resource Transport System (CARTS) in Monamon Sur, Bauko, Mountain Province on June 23.
Funded by the DOST through its Niche Centers for the Region (Nicer) Program with a counterpart funding of P1.1 million from Bauko LGU, the project is seen to address the lack of adequate infrastructure to transport agricultural produce through cable-supported infrastructure that are adapted to the terrain of the region.
Farmers currently need to hire porters to carry agricultural produce to the nearest farm to market road.
The cable-supported infrastructure will provide an alternative system for transporting goods that will consequently improve agricultural activities and outputs in the province.
DOST-CAR Director Dr. Nancy A. Bantog in her message delivered by Engr. Angel L. Maguen said partnership is designed to help highland farmers to have safe and cost-efficient means of transporting their agricultural produce and increase farm yield through improved and innovative technologies.
She added the DOST-CAR, in its advocacy of effecting change and development through Science, Technology and Innovation, will sustain its support to invaluable partners and stakeholders in the region.
Mayor Abraham B. Akilit said the project is the first of its kind in their municipality and commended the DOST-CAR for being their reliable partner in delivering technology-driven development in the municipality.
As he stepped down as mayor, he appealed for DOST to continue bringing relevant programs in the municipality.
Joseph P. Banias, president of Towadan-Bito Farmers’ Association, expressed his gratitude to SLU, LGU Bauko, and DOST-CAR for identifying them as the beneficiary of the project.
The project is under the Program Boondock: A Mountain Engineering Center towards Sustainable Infrastructure and Upland Water Security, which aims to aid in the preservation of the region’s mountains amidst natural disasters and urbanization through innovative engineering solutions. – Press release
