By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan
Iloilo City’s local government has signed agreements with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), focused on enhancing nutrition programs for children and vocational skills training for adults.
Monday’s agreements mark a significant boost in resources for the city’s public health initiatives and workforce development.
The DOST has pledged ₱2 million to support the City Health Office’s nutrition efforts.
This funding, as confirmed by CHO chief Annabel Tang, City Administrator Melchor Tan, and DOST-Western Visayas Regional Director Rowen Gelonga, is in addition to contributions from both the Florete Group of Companies and Bombo Radyo Philippines, as well as the city’s ₱3.2 million allocation.
These combined efforts will bolster the production of enhanced nutribun and nutritious feeding mixes at the soon-to-be-launched ₱54-million Nutrition Center on General Luna Street, targeted to open in the third quarter of this year.
Director Gelonga specified that the DOST’s support is primarily earmarked for equipment and operational tools, contributing to the facility’s capability to formulate a nutritious rice-mongo-sesame blend.
“For us in the DOST, [the funding] will be for the equipment mostly, for the facility. It will also include other [forms of] support, [such as] supplies and materials and expendable items for the nutrition center,” Gelonga said, adding that the city administration is tasked with the nutrition center’s operations, staffing, and additional equipment procurement.
The collaboration with PSFI aims to extend its Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL) program to Iloilo City, aiming to empower 25 technical-vocational scholars through the Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO).
The deal, inked by Mayor Jerry Treñas and representatives from TIIC, PESO, and PSFI, underscores the city’s commitment to fostering sustainable development.
PSFI Executive Director Sebastian Quiñones Jr. highlighted Shell’s dedication to being a “good neighbor” in its operational localities, such as Iloilo City, a pivotal location in Shell’s national supply network.
