Mt Prov technology center to boost trade

BONTOC, Mountain Province – A new building to house the Provincial Science and Technology Center will soon rise at the Bilibid reservation area here to boost trade and technology.

Papers and funding for construction of the initial phase is ready after the provincial government, through Gov. Maximo Dalog, allowed use of a 334 square meter government lot for the building.

Regional DOST director Ben Ladilad thanked the provincial leadership for providing a space which he said was “offered even without a request.”

The building would provide a center to assist micro, small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs, out-of-school youths and unemployed in basic technologies and upgrade skills of workers through trainings.

Provincial DOST officer Norberto Cobaldez said P4.5 million has been earmarked to erect the first phase of the building.

In her recent visit to the province, DOST Secretary Estrella Alabastro hailed the initiative of the provincial government and the provincial and regional DOST offices in firming up the plan even as she instructed DOST personnel to continue coordinating with local government units and exert some more efforts to help the local populace.

Thankful of the services of the department for the past many years, the secretary was adopted daughter of the province and was given the native name “Begnayan.”

In the local dialect, the word refers to a person with a keen and inquisitive mind. Sources also have it that Begnayan was the name of a woman from the Aplai tribe who improved the art and quality of weaving because of her curiosity and persistence.

From an off-farm season pastime, weaving has turned out as a booming business endeavor.

Adoption rituals were done during a welcome dinner party sponsored by the provincial government which it usually does to visiting dignitaries most especially so that Secretary Alabastro coming to the province for the first time.

Aside from placing the “time capsule” in the area provided for the building, the secretary also visited the Farmers Information and Technology Service center and the farm of Benedict Feken in Barangay Maligcong.

Alabastro proceeded to Kalinga after seeing the Bontoc museum. – Angel Baybay