Salt iodization facility provides more job opportunities to communities in Lamut, Ifugao

A local official from the province of Ifugao shared how the assistance provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to a cooperative allowed them to produce iodized salt and generate additional job opportunities for the local community.

In his message during the opening 2024 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) held at the Ifugao State University Gymnasium (IFSU) in Lamut, Ifugao, Mayor Victomar Hagada Bunnol said that due to the assistance provided by DOST-Cordillera Administrative Region and Provincial Science and Technology Office-Ifugao, one of the barangays in Lamut has been given machinery to produce iodized salt.

“Dahil sa tulong ng DOST-CAR at PSTO-Ifugao, may isa po kaming barangay dito ang nabigyan ng makinarya para sa paggawa ng iodized salt. Isa lamang po iyon sa mga proyekto na nadala ng ahensya dito sa Lamut. Ngayon nagpoproduce na po sila ng iodized salt para rito sa Lamut at sa buong probinsya,” said Lamut Mayor Bunnol.

(Thanks to the assistance from DOST-CAR and PSTO-Ifugao, one of our barangays here has been provided with machinery for producing iodized salt. This is just one of the projects brought to Lamut by the agency. Currently, iodized salt is being produced for Lamut and the entire province)

Mayor Bunnol emphasized that through this specific intervention, it really opened their eyes to how the outputs of research and development (R&D) could further boost the operations of many local businesses in their municipalities.

“As we collaborate with DOST, there are many opportunities for our local businesses to grow and generate more revenue in our humble municipality, Lamut, by closely examining and adopting some of the R&D projects implemented by our local universities and funded and supported by DOST,” said Mayor Bunnol.

He added that partnering with DOST enables and strengthens the capabilities of our local educational institutions to offer timely and appropriate solutions to the challenges that exist in various municipalities and, of course, in the entire province.

The 2024 RSTW celebration in Western Visayas, a yearly event to promote science, technology, and innovation in the countryside, was held from August 22-24, 2024, this time at the University of Antique-Sibalom Campus. It featured several homegrown technologies and R&D projects from DOST agencies and partner institutions that could potentially contribute to the development of the country’s green and blue economy.

Establishing Salt Iodization Facility in Lamut, Ifugao.

On January 2023, PSTO-Ifugao signed a memorandum of agreement with the local government unit of Lamut to launch the project titled “S&T Intervention for the Establishment of a Salt Iodization Facility in Lamut, Ifugao.

The said initiative aims to sustain the Salt Iodization Program and significantly reduce, if not eliminate, Iodine Deficiency Disorder in Lamut and throughout the province of Ifugao. The project is currently implementing the salt iodizing technology from the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute at the facility in Poblacion East, Lamut. It enables the Poblacion East Local Government Unit to produce and distribute iodized salt not only within the municipality but also to other towns in Ifugao.

3-Day S&T Festivity in Ifugao State University (IFSU)

Meanwhile, Ifugao State University (IFSU) in Lamut hosted the three-day Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) celebration, where the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its partner institutions conducted several technical forums and featured interactive exhibits related to the green economy.

In his message, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. highlighted the importance of advancing the green economy, which aligns with the vision of AmBisyon Natin 2040 for a life that is rooted, comfortable, and secure for all Filipinos.

“Our sub-theme, ‘Providing Solutions and Opening Opportunities in the Green Economy,’ is fitting for the Cordillera Region. As we strive for a green economy that ensures waste management towards a circular economy and accelerates the deployment of renewable energy technologies, I believe that this region has a significant role to play,” said Secretary Solidum.

He noted that the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is the “Watershed Cradle of North Luzon” as it hosts nine major rivers that provide continuous water for irrigation and energy for Northern Luzon. Solidum explained that the region is rich in natural resources with abundant mineral reserves. Gold, copper, silver, and zinc are among the metallic ores found in the region, while non-metallic reserves include sand, gravel, and sulfur.

“Responsible management of these natural resources should have started yesterday, not only in this region but across the country. We have had enough wake-up calls as we continue to face the effects of unbridled exploitation of natural resources. Resilience is no longer enough. Action and accountability must come into play to secure sustainable resource management,” said Solidum.

He added that this is why the DOST is collaborating with other government agencies and the private sector to support the country’s green economy program, which aims to recycle 20,000 tons of plastic waste by 2028, create green jobs, and support waste reduction strategies.

The five-year initiative is designed to help the Philippines achieve its climate commitments, including a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang believes that the three-day S&T celebration marks a significant milestone as the province of Ifugao and its neighboring provinces now could witness and learn firsthand the impactful initiatives of the DOST.

“These initiatives are aimed at advancing our communities and addressing critical concerns in areas such as health, education, job creation, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and the environment, among others,” said Undersecretary Mabborang.

Message of support from the local leaders in Ifugao

In her message, Ifugao State University President Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon thanked the DOST for choosing IFSU as the venue of the 2024 RSTW and expresses her deep commitment to integrating indigenous knowledge with science and technology.

“Ifugao State University, as a cradle of learning and innovation, is deeply committed to this idea. Our institution is nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Ifugao, a region rich in culture, heritage, and natural resources. We believe that by fusing our indigenous knowledge with cutting-edge science and technology, we can create sustainable solutions that uplift our communities and preserve our environment,” said Dugyon.

Meanwhile, Ifugao Provincial Governor Jerry U. Dalipog expressed eagerness for future collaborations between Ifugao and DOST-CAR, underscoring the vital role of science, technology, and innovation in the region’s development.

Governor Dalipog also highlighted the necessity for innovations that strengthen rice stalks, ensuring they can support their grains even during typhoons. He anticipates using these advancements to further elevate Ifugao.

With collaborations becoming stronger between the DOST and the academe, the people of Ifugao and other provinces across the country are poised to benefit from science, technology, and innovation, as the former provides solutions and opens opportunities to more Filipinos.