DOST CEST

The Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program is a flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that brings science and technology interventions to poor communities across the Philippines.

CEST aims to improve the quality of life in marginalized communities through the strategic application of science and technology in five key development areas: health and nutrition, water and sanitation, basic education and literacy, economic development and livelihood, and disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

• Improve health and nutrition status of community members
• Provide sustainable access to clean and safe water
• Enhance basic education and literacy through S&T interventions
• Create sustainable livelihood opportunities using appropriate technologies
• Strengthen community resilience to disasters and climate change impacts
• Promote S&T culture and awareness at the grassroots level

• Health and Nutrition: S&T interventions for malnutrition, disease prevention, and health promotion
• Water and Sanitation: Technologies for clean water access and proper waste management
• Education and Literacy: S&T-based learning tools and capacity building programs
• Livelihood and Economic Enterprise: Appropriate technologies for income generation
• Disaster Risk Reduction: Early warning systems and community-based disaster preparedness
• Environmental Protection: Sustainable resource management and conservation technologies

• Geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs)
• Fourth to sixth class municipalities
• Indigenous peoples communities
• Conflict-affected areas
• Disaster-prone communities
• Other marginalized sectors identified by local government units