Camiguin –The Regional Development Council 10 Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RDC-X RPMC) the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) jointly conducted project monitoring activities to ensure government resources and initiatives are effectively implemented and reach its intended beneficiaries.

The visit highlighted key projects aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness, boosting agricultural productivity, and improving community resilience through innovation.

Among the projects assessed and evaluated were the following: Installation of Automated Rain Gauge (ARG), and Water Level Monitoring System (WLMS) in Mambajao; delivery of Portable Solar Speed Drying Trays (PORTASOL) in Catarman; and the solar-powered S&T Information Kiosk and Lights in the Evacuation Site in Sagay. These projects are part of DOST’s interventions to support disaster mitigation and agricultural productivity.

The RDC-X RPMC monitoring team was composed of evaluators from the Presidential Management Staff (PMS), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 10, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Region 10, and Engr. Modesto C. Babaylan, private sector member of the committee. A monitoring team from the Provincial Government of Camiguin also participated in the activity.

In Mambajao, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management chief officer,  Ms. Raquel B. Ranara gave a report on the Early Warning System (EWS) installed in their municipality. She noted that the automated alerts and real-time warnings have improved the response times during weather disturbances, contributing to the protection of lives and property. She also recognized the development of a Contingency Plan for the Hibok-Hibok volcanic eruption as a critical step in bolstering local readiness and coordination.

Catarman Mayor, Hon. Kiterio Antonio U. Palarca II, expressed his appreciation for the technical assistance provided by DOST. He highlighted several initiatives, such as the provision of cacao production equipment to the Catarman Cacao Growers Association, the installation of a Cold Storage facility for fishery products, and the distribution of PORTASOL units to local farmers.

Mr. Edgardo Caulin, a beneficiary of the PORTASOL said that it reduced the drying time of cacao beans and offered a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional street-side drying methods. This has contributed to the production of higher-quality cacao products, especially “tablea”.

Another inspiring story in Sagay was told by Engr. Alex Dagaraga. He emphasized the value of having a reliable power source at the evacuation center, especially during emergencies.

The solar-powered system ensures continuous lighting and supports basic energy needs, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for displaced families. He noted that this facility has significantly strengthened the municipality’s overall disaster response capabilities.

The results of the monitoring team's assessment resulted in the recommendation to adopt the EWS in all municipalities to enhance disaster risk reduction and management efforts. The PORTASOL units, in particular, were acknowledged for promoting food safety and improving post-harvest handling within the agri-fishery sector.

The monitoring team lauded the successful implementation of DOST-assisted projects in Camiguin and emphasized replicating these in other areas. It also highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration and recognized the strong partnerships between the government and the community beneficiaries as key elements for success.

The RPMC-X field monitoring, conducted on May 7, 2025 in Camiguin, exemplified the transformative impact of science, technology, and innovation in local development. It also demonstrated the power of coordinated, multi-sectoral efforts in delivering sustainable and responsive solutions to the evolving needs of communities.

This collaboration between the RDC-X RPMC and DOST-10 is one of the many initiatives of the DOST aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.region10.dost.gov.ph or contact: Mr. Efraem O. Egoc, Project Technical Assistant II (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 09667300163) (By Nice Nerjay C. Delada, DOST Camiguin and photos from DOST Camiguin)

Field monitoring visit at the Municipal Agriculture Office of Catarman, located in Compol, Catarman, Camiguin, for the inspection of the Portable Solar Speed Drying Trays (PORTASOL) distributed to local farmers in the municipality.

The team inspects the Water Level Monitoring System installed at Lumad Bridge, Poblacion, Mambajao, Camiguin. This automated system provides real-time monitoring of water levels to support early warning and disaster risk reduction efforts in flood-prone areas.