The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Central Visayas has started developing the poor and the handicapped into a productive part of society under the agency’s medium-term development program (MTDP).

The agency has linked with a non-government organization-Handicapped Anchored in Christ Inc. (Haci) - to train the poor handicapped and disabled in the use of science and technology to promote their lives.

Last 2000, the handicapped have been fabricating wheelchairs and other gadgets like “reachers” and tools that help them live a productive life, and no longer as a liability to society.

The Haci maintains its production facility within the compound owned by the San Nicholas Parish. DOST provides the beneficiaries with technical know-how and materials for the fabrication of these “empowering tools as envisioned under the Estrada administration’s development plan, which aims to promote competitiveness and conscience.

Another important social-related project the agency has implemented is the training of wayward youths at sitio Bato in barangay Ermita for livelihood projects and possible employment opportunity. The program aims to strengthen the partnership among national and local governments, the business community and civil society.

Among the objectives of the MTDP for 1999-2004 are the acceleration of rural development by modernizing agriculture and the fishery sectors and expanding the non-farm income opportunities of rural households.

- FCE