Rodriguez inks pact with DOST for turnover of portable solar dryers
Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez signed an agreement with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-10) for the turnover of Multipurpose Solar Speed Drying Trays or portable solar (PORTASOL) dryers last Wednesday, October 26.
The portasol, a Filipino-invented technology, is an equipment used by farmers in drying agricultural harvests such as rice, corn, and fish.
“PORTASOLs are valued at P36,000 per unit and it is scheduled to be given to identified farming and fisherfolk associations in different barangays in the city,” Rodriguez said.
“With the impending food crisis, the latest Filipino technology will aid our farmers to speed up the production of farm products. This will also allow them to generate more income and help our economy in general,” he explained further.
Rodriguez previously met with DOST provincial head Engr. Junelyn Ruiz and administrative division chief Liza Macapayad to discuss areas for partnership in livelihood programs.
Included in the proposed partnership are the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and Local Grants in Aid (LGIA) programs of the science department.
SETUP will provide entrepreneurs with financial assistance to upgrade their technology and improve the productivity of Micro, Small, & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). LGIAs offer financial assistance worth P200,000 up to P3,000,000 to community-based enterprises to empower rural barangays.
The CdeO lawmaker stated he will continue to help DOST-10 facilitate the implementation of different programs as well as the identification of beneficiaries in the barangays.
It can be remembered that Rodriguez strongly fought to increase by P2 billion budget of DOST to fund needed programs for MSMEs and Research and Development efforts in the regional offices.
“We have to give premium to the programs and projects of the DOST by providing the agency with adequate funds. This is our way of showing profound and sincere support to our Filipino scientists, researchers, and innovators,” Rodriguez said in a previous statement.
The Mindanao lawmaker also principally authored RA 11914 or the Provincial Science and Technology Office Act (PSTOs), a law that converts Provincial Science and Technology Centers (PSTCs) into PSTOs, which helps expedite the transfer of appropriate knowledge, technologies, and services to rural areas. (PR)
Photo by: Rufus Rodriguez Facebook