Ang Pahayagan

AURORA — The Department of Science and Technology Region III (DOST-III), through the Provincial Science and Technology Office of Aurora (PSTO-Aurora) headed by Provincial S&T Director Maricel M. Sicat, awarded a cheque to the Department of Education – Schools Division of Aurora (SDO Aurora) for the implementation of the project titled “Cultivate to Educate: Central Luzon Schools Leading the Way in Food Security and Community Nourishment through Agricultural Hubs Promoting Smart and Sustainable Agriculture.”

With a total project cost of PHP2.3 million under DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, the initiative aims to strengthen students’ understanding of sustainable agricultural practices through hands-on learning activities and the provision of agricultural toolkits. It also promotes the adoption of innovative farming technologies that enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and food security across 22 schools in Aurora Province.

As part of the project, two beneficiary schools will be equipped with greenhouse nurseries, which will serve as production facilities for seedlings and planting materials to be distributed among participating schools. The initiative is designed to integrate agricultural education with practical application, encouraging young learners to appreciate the value of science-based farming as a pathway toward local food sufficiency and environmental stewardship.

Present during the awarding ceremony were Dr. Dante G. Parungao, Schools Division Superintendent of SDO Aurora; Dr. Erleo Villaros, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent; and Ms. Edelwinda S. Casballido, Curriculum Implementation Division Chief.

Director Sicat emphasized that the partnership between DOST-III and DepEd-Aurora demonstrates the government’s shared commitment to cultivating innovation and education as key drivers of rural development.

“By integrating science and agriculture into the learning environment, we are empowering the youth to become champions of sustainability and future contributors to food security in their communities,” Sicat said.

The “Cultivate to Educate” project reflects a growing synergy between education and technology sectors in Aurora — promoting not just classroom learning, but real-world applications that nurture both knowledge and food resilience.

Together, DOST-III and DepEd-Aurora aim to cultivate innovation, strengthen agricultural literacy, and build a more food-secure and sustainable Aurora. (Jason de Asis)

TOP 📸 : DOST-III awarded a PHP2.3 million grant to DepEd-Aurora for the “Cultivate to Educate” project, aiming to promote smart and sustainable agriculture among students. The initiative empowers 22 schools in Aurora to enhance food security through hands-on learning and innovative farming technologies. (Jason de Asis)