THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology (DOST) Davao and the Southern Philippines Agri-business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) are implementing ₱1.6 million worth of community-based Science and Technology projects aimed at strengthening coastal resilience and building smarter local communities in Davao Occidental.
Funded under the Community Empowerment Through Science and Technology (CEST) and the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP), the initiatives carry a total allocation of ₱1,665,000.00 and are designed to ensure that research and innovation directly address local development challenges.
One major component, Project BAKHAW (Building Adaptive and Knowledgeable Communities for Holistic Advancement and Welfare), focuses on coastal sustainability. The project will establish a Smart Mangrove Knowledge Resource and Propagation Center to support mangrove rehabilitation, promote science- and nature-based solutions, and integrate renewable energy applications. Beyond environmental protection, the initiative seeks to enhance community knowledge while supporting sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Complementing this is Project SPARK (Strengthening Partnerships and Advancing Resilient Knowledge through Science, Technology, and Innovation for Smart and Sustainable Communities), which aims to strengthen STEM education and local innovation systems. Through immersive learning activities, operational innovation hubs, and the development of a Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) roadmap, the project supports long-term capacity-building for learners and local stakeholders.
For DOST Davao, the partnership underscores a broader strategy of positioning Science and Technology as practical tools for inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring that investments in research translate into measurable and lasting benefits for communities across Davao Occidental.
