In pursuit of strengthening community resilience and sustainable agriculture, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), with its Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) project, partnered with the Department of Science and Technology–Provincial Science and Technology Office (DOST-PSTO) Biliran to conduct a Training on Climate Risk Management and Disaster Preparedness cum Food Safety Orientation on October 7 at the Canaan Hill Farms, Barangay Uson, Caibiran, Biliran.

Titled “Empowering Communities in Biliran Province through Science, Technology, and Innovation Interventions: STI Interventions to the Marginalized Community of BLGU Uson, Caibiran,” the initiative aimed to equip local farmers and community members with the necessary knowledge and skills to adapt to climate change, strengthen disaster preparedness, and ensure food safety in their agricultural practices.

PSTO Director Dr. Romeo L. Dignos emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia, government, and local communities in building sustainable livelihoods.

“Through this partnership, where research institutions generate solutions, government agencies provide support and policy direction, and communities actively participate in applying these innovations, we can create longterm science-based solutions that truly uplift the lives of the people,” Dr. Dignos said.

BiPSU Biliran Campus’ Mr. Christian Ulysses G. Cagasan and Mr. Jofil A. Mati-om delivered clever lectures on Climate Risk Management in Agriculture: Caring for the Soil in a Changing Climate and Managing Pests in a Changing Climate, respectively.

In addition, Mr. Sherwin A. Macantan from DOST Region VIII tackled disaster preparedness, while Ms. Juliet M. Aguirre and Mr. Mark Anthony R. Curso of PSTO Biliran discussed basic food hygiene and safety.

These discussions highlighted the importance of integrating science, technology, and innovation to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food safety, and promote resilience amid climate challenges.

President of the Caibiran Association of Diversified Farmers (CADFA) Mr. Jeffrey Espinazo expressed gratitude to BiPSU and DOST for their continuous support to grassroots communities through various interventions.

“This training shows us the university’s mission to change lives through knowledge and public service,” Mr. Espinazo shared. “We are grateful for the opportunity to be selected and further empowered.”

BiPSU remains to pave the way for a climate-resilient, disaster-prepared, and food-secure Biliran—proving that science and education, when united with community action, faithfully work for the people.

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