BALER, Aurora – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is boosting women’s livelihood opportunities in Casiguran, Aurora by introducing coconut processing skills training.
Through the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology program, a total of 10 members of the Casiguran Women’s Federation were trained to produce value-added products such as desiccated coconut, coconut flour, and coconut-based snacks.
DOST Aurora Science and Research Specialist Regine Maines-Agumboy said the training aims to build the women’s capacity so they can continuously access sustainable livelihood opportunities.
“The initiative recognizes the importance of coconut as one of Aurora’s major products, noting its vital role in the local economy since farmers and communities in Casiguran serve as the main sources of raw materials,” Agumboy explained.
To further support the initiative, DOST partnered with Action Hubs Philippines and Central Luzon State University to extend entrepreneurship assistance, market access, quality assessments, and technical guidance on agricultural best practices and post-harvest handling.
As part of this collaboration, Action Hubs also committed to purchasing locally sourced raw materials at fair market prices, ensuring that women producers gain both technical capacity and reliable market opportunities.
“By providing women with equal opportunities and access to modern technology, knowledge, and training, we empower them to become active participants in livelihood and science-based programs, thereby contributing to sustainable and inclusive growth,” Agumboy pressed.
She also noted that similar trainings may be replicated in other towns and women’s groups in Aurora to widen access to livelihood skills and strengthen community enterprises.
Looking ahead, DOST is set to broaden its programs in livelihood, education, environment, and disaster resilience, ensuring that innovations directly address the needs of grassroots communities.
These initiatives not only enhance women’s participation in local development but also contribute to the government’s broader vision of inclusive growth and innovation-driven national progress. (CLJD/MJRD, PIA Region 3-Aurora)