Through the collaboration of the Tarlac Local Government Units, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Tarlac State University - College of Science, a community outreach and seminar on health and nutrition was organized on December 17, 2022. This outreach initiative aims to support the community of the Abeiling tribe and Aeta Mag-anchi in San Jose, Tarlac with the distribution of hygiene kits and lectures on proper hygiene to all indigenous people through the help of the Tarlac State University - Extension Service Providers.
In response to the government’s National Program on Poverty Alleviation one of the DOST’s priority program was introduced. Entitled Community Empowerment Thru Science and Technology (CEST), its goal is to build innovative, capable and hardy development.
The discussion was well conducted by Mr. Jomer V. Manalang, a College of Science faculty and the program extension chairperson, who demonstrated good handwashing techniques while singing "Happy Birthday Song" to the recipients. Additionally, he discussed the advantages and significance of consuming wholesome foods like fruits and vegetables. Also, he stressed that good handwashing techniques and consuming nutritious foods may assist to reduce the spread of viruses and other ailments, as well as help students achieve better academic results and maintain or improve healthy lifestyles.
Additionally, Dr. Brendalyn Manzano, a faculty from the College of Arts and Social Sciences, Prof. Adora Obregon, a faculty member from the College of Science and Prof. Mary Jane Rigor, the Dean of the College of Science, led the distribution of hygiene kits that contain facemasks, toothbrushes, and toothpaste, as well as alcohol, soap, and a pair of slippers. In order to determine the main requirements of the community with regard to health issues, they were also interviewed house parents. The majority of them asked that a series of lectures be held on community health awareness, improve their livelihood and establishing clinics.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Agenda's goals 1 (No Poverty), goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and goals 10 (Reduced Inequalities are aligned with and benefited from the outreach work and knowledge transfer that COS completed. The outreach program highlighted the hygiene kit distribution, snacks and meal provided by DOST and LGU, and imparting lesson with regards to spreading health awareness. They were also communicating with other participants regarding the status of their livelihood activity. In light of this, issues and needs by the community was identified. Furthermore, promoting and empowering such community is indeed benefitted to reduce inequalities among other group.
