The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) formally awarded two cheques totaling P610,000 to Biliran Province State University to support two collaborative projects between the university and the agency.

BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. personally received the funding during a ceremonial turnover held on March 24 at the Office of the President.

Empowering Marginalized Communities through Science and Technology

A cheque worth P300,000 was presented by DOST-Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO)-Biliran Director Dr. Romeo L. Dignos to fund Phase II of the project titled “STI Interventions for the Marginalized Community of Julita, Biliran.” This initiative falls under DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, which aims to drive economic development in underserved and remote areas through science and technology.

The project, a joint effort between DOST and BiPSU’s School of Engineering (SOE), focuses on providing technology-based support to farmers in Brgy. Julita. The Caimito Coconut Farmers will benefit from a new coconut dryer facility, capacity training on technology utilization, and improved livelihoods through enhanced agricultural practices.

The ceremonial turnover was also attended by DOST PSTO-Biliran personnel, including Supervising Science Research Specialist Maria Catherine G. Mamba, Science Research Specialist Nicka V. Salentes, and PSTO Staff Teddy M. Abenido.

Representing BiPSU were Project Coordinator and SOE Dean Engr. Vivencio Pelesco, Project Assistant Jessie M. Sanoy, and University President Dr. Cañezo.

Dr. Cañezo highlighted the project's importance in advancing sustainable development and strengthening the university's commitment to community engagement.

“Through this partnership with DOST, we aim to deliver practical solutions that directly uplift the lives of our local farmers and provide them with the tools and knowledge needed for long-term growth,” Dr. Cañezo stated.

Advancing Mental Health Research

An additional P310,000 grant was also handed over to support a research project titled “Psychological Stress, Suicidal Ideation, and Coping Mechanisms among Students in Selected Tertiary Academic Institutions in Eastern Visayas.”

This research is funded by DOST through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) and seeks to examine mental health challenges among students in the region. The study aims to identify the prevalence of psychological stress and suicidal ideation while exploring effective coping strategies to promote student well-being.

The cheque was presented by DOST Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Council (EVHRDC) Project Staff Jeremy Jusay and witnessed by DOST PSTO-Biliran Director Dr. Dignos and PSTO personnel. 

BiPSU officials present included Project Leader and Research and Development Office (RDO) Director Dr. Pearl Irish de Paz, Assistant Project Leader Dr. Willard N. Riveral from the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS), and project members SNHS Dean Dr. Jovy Dia R. Saniel, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services Dr. Roland Niez, and University President Dr. Cañezo.

Dr. Cañezo expressed his gratitude to DOST for their continuous support and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing pressing societal issues.

“We deeply appreciate DOST's support for BiPSU's research initiatives,” Dr. Cañezo said. “This funding will enable us to generate evidence-based insights that can inform policies and programs to better support the mental health and well-being of students across Eastern Visayas.”

The findings from the study are expected to shape mental health policies and provide academic institutions with data-driven tools to create supportive and inclusive environments for students.

[This aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth]