BJMP GenSan wins best CEST community for 2025

From the DOST public archive. Original source publication date: 2025-11-21. Captured 2026-09-04. Read the original DOST source.

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The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recognized General Santos City’s Bureau of Jail and Penology Management (BJMP) male dormitory as this year’s ‘Best CEST Community’ for successfully integrating science and technology-based solutions to improve the quality of life of the persons deprived of liberty (PDL) community.

The award was given during the culmination of 2025 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (2025 NSTW), held in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on November 19, 2025.

With the hope of building a smart, sustainable, and inclusive community for PDLs, former warden and Jail Chief Inspector Lucky Mer Natuel said they reached out to DOST through the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program.

“Kulang sa kagamitan, unsafe water, at limitadong pagkakataon at edukasyon. So, wala po kaming source ng potable water. And then, through the partnership formed between BJMP and DOST, a partnership made from heaven po talaga, a noble partnership, we witnessed something truly human lives slowly reclaiming dignity,” Natuel said.

Through the CEST program, and a partnership with the DOST-Region 12, Natuel said the BJMP General Santos City Jail was able to empower over 600 PDLs through education, livelihood opportunities, and a clean water system.

The CEST program is an initiative that uses science and technology to help underserved communities in the country. 

With the goal to provide livelihood and alleviate poverty in remote communities, the program focuses on empowering marginalized sectors by providing technology-based solutions to improve livelihood, health, sanitation, disaster resilience, and education.  

To highlight the best practices of community CEST adopters and to recognize their efforts in improving their community through science and technology, the DOST started searching for ‘Best CEST Community’ in 2020 as part of the NSTW celebration.

The award aims to recognize communities that have successfully implemented CEST projects in their communities, which have improved the quality of life of their people.

Recognized as the grand champion for this year’s search for ‘Best CEST Community’, General Santos City Jail received a grand prize of P500,000, a plaque of recognition and P30,000 for bagging a Special Award in Sustainable Energy.

“In Region 12, we did not just build a jail facility; we built communities that are sustainable, inclusive, and smart. The DOST gave the persons deprived of liberty the opportunity for science that knows no boundaries, agham na ramdam. Science that is felt, lived, and experienced even behind bars, proving that no one is indeed left behind. That they were once lost, least, and last. But now reminded that even inside jail, they are never alone,” Nautel said.

Moreover, according to DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., the CEST program has continuously delivered relevant science-based solutions across five key development areas since its inception in 2012.

He said, as an example, that 2,170 communities were empowered by creating livelihood opportunities and enhancing productivity through technology, deployment, capacity-building training, consultancy services, and other support interventions.

“Whether it is clean water in upland barangays, safer food on family tables, or better livelihoods through innovation, DOST ensures that science works for every Filipino. Sabi nga nila, malayo pa, pero malayo na. While we still have a long journey ahead before we can fully realize our vision of a truly smart and sustainable community, we must also recognize how far we have already come,” Solidum said.

Meanwhile, from among the 16 nominees, Barangay Potrero’s zero waste program in Malabon City bagged P300,000 for winning the Best CEST Community 1st Runner up Award, and P30,000 for winning the Special Award for Sustainable Circular Economy.

Second runner-up award and a Special Award for Sustainable Health and Nutrition were awarded to the municipality of Ramos, Tarlac. They received a P200,000 and a P30,000 cash prize for two awards respectively.

More than an award and recognition, Natuel said the BJMP GenSan also accepts the responsibility that comes with it.

The CEST program is one of the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph. (By Claire Bernadette A. Mondares, DOST-STII and photos from DOST-12)

BJMP General Santos City Jail Superintendent Joe Anthony Gargarita (left) and former BJMP GenSan warden Jail Chief Inspector Lucky Mer Natuel receives the plaque of recognition and a cheque worth P500,000 on behalf of the BJMP community, during the search for Best CEST community on November 19, 2025, at Centennial Arena, Laoag City.

DOST officials award the plaque and cheque worth P500,000 to BJMP General Santos City Jail Superintendent Joe Anthony Gargarita and former BJMP GenSan warden Jail Chief Inspector Lucky Mer Natuel during the search for Best CEST community on November 19, 2025, at Centennial Arena, Laoag City.