By Gideon C. Corgue
BUUG, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-9 has commended the Buug Subanen Workers Association (BSWA) for successfully implementing the livelihood projects granted by various national government agencies (NGAs).
In his message during the first founding anniversary of BSWA held last Sept. 30 at the Multi-Purpose Bldg. at Barangay Manlin here, DOST-9 Assistant Regional Director Mahmud Kingking said “with the government interventions, BSWA was able to establish Pangase rice wine and Pangase Adlai wine factory, undergo series of trainings by Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and became a recipient of P3-million worth of organic center from DA.
Kingking also expressed optimism that with the ongoing projects of BSWA, the quality of lives of indigenous peoples (IPs) would be improved.
“The projects that BSWA is having now is a concrete manifestation that the government is there and always ready to extend its programs and services to the marginalized sectors of our society,” Kingking said adding “we want to let you feel the presence of our government in your community.”
DOST-9 donated 50 water purifiers to BSWA to ensure safe and clean drinking water for all IPs in the area.
“When we arrived here before, we have not seen any livelihood activities of the IPs but now, because of government’s support, you have started your livelihood projects particularly the wine and vinegar making,” Kingking said.
“The project help boost the income of the members and this will soon generate employment.”
Kingking also underscored the importance of IPs knowledge on new technologies for something tangible
“It’s possible for us to transform our community into a very productive one if we will use technologies that are invented by our Filipino scientists,” Kingking explained.
“With the technology, nothing is impossible,” Kingking concluded.