Needs Assessment and Co-creation of Policy Recommendations for DOST-CEST Program Sites: Philippines’ Transdisciplinary Approach

Local development is multi-faceted, which precipitates the need for transdisciplinary approaches to capture the complexity of issues and possible solutions to development challenges. Six program sites in two provinces located in Southern Luzon, Philippines under the Department of Science and Technology Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (DOST-CEST) program were studied to determine possible science and technology interventions to accelerate local development. The study used a concurrent mixed-method research design where the qualitative and quantitative data are collected during the same stage. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted to represent local government and sectoral groups. Secondary data – which includes barangay and municipal profiles and local government unit (LGU) data on social services – were collected, and a survey was used to gather information on the needs of the community members. The existing needs include access to healthcare, health facilities, and services, improved access to potable water sources, compliance with solid waste management, educational assistance, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and equipment for better disaster preparedness and response. Theoretical reflections using transdisciplinary approaches such as human ecology and social technology assisted in local development planning and policy recommendations where data and synthesis generated the need for a convergence approach, integrative research, community organizing, and partnerships with higher education institutions. Specific recommendations would include improving the quality of the KALINGA mix for health and nutrition, provision of ceramic water filters for water and sanitation, STARBOOKS (Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station) units, which are like science library-on-the-go kiosks for basic education, and incorporating technologies like an automated rain gauge, flood early warning station, and water level monitoring station in the current disaster risk response and management. Prioritization of interventions should be matched with the resources and capacities of both DOST and LGUs.