The ceremonial signing of the MoU between the participating HEIs and DOST concluded with a photo session. Photo courtesy of the DNSC Office of the President.

PANABO CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region XI and Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), along with other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the region, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the project; MICROGRIDTERPRISES in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

This initiative aims to enhance energy access and promote social inclusion among Indigenous Peoples (IPs) communities by installing Microgrid Renewable Energy Systems and establishing Agri-Agro Microenterprises. DNSC has committed to providing assistance and technical expertise in conducting surveys, establishing enterprises, developing manuals, and organizing marketing and capacity-building activities to achieve the project’s objectives.

The MOU signing took place during the Stakeholders’ Forum on Empowering IP Communities: Sustainable Energy Solutions for Enhanced Access and Inclusion in the Davao Region on July 26, 2024, at the Acacia Hotel Davao.

The forum featured presentations from key speakers, including Ms. Mirasol G. Domingo, DOST XI Provincial Director for Davao Oriental and Project Leader of the MICROGRIDTERPRISES; Ms. Djoanna Lyne S. Monteverde, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) XI Regional Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) Focal Officer, who discussed the situation analysis and FPIC process for IP communities in the Davao Region; and Engr. Wendelyn D. Santander, Science Research Specialist II of the Department of Energy (DOE), who provided an overview of renewable energy technologies and policies in Mindanao.

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