The Kapalong College of Agriculture, Sciences and Technology (KCAST), in partnership with Tagum Doctors College Inc. (TDCI), successfully conducted the extension activity “𝙋𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙮𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙖 𝙎𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤 𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙠𝙤𝙣𝙜: 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙙𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮” on December 19, 2025 at the adopted Indigenous Peoples (IP) community of KCAST in Sitio Biokong, Barangay Sampao, Kapalong, Davao del Norte. The activity aimed to promote community well-being through health services, basic necessities support, and sustained engagement with the IP community.

The program was formally opened by 𝗠𝗿. 𝗘𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗯𝗮𝗱, Purok Chairman, who warmly welcomed the participants and members of the community. Messages of commitment to service were delivered by 𝗗𝗿. 𝗥𝗼𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗼 𝗖. 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻, 𝗝𝗿., President of KCAST, and 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗼, Vice President for Quality Assurance, Community Extension, and Internationalization of TDCI. An inspiring message of compassion and service was also shared by 𝗠𝗮’𝗮𝗺 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥. 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗹, landowner of Sitio Biokong, emphasizing collective responsibility in uplifting IP communities. Adding to the joy of the activity, Ma’am Tess generously donated toys to the children, bringing smiles and excitement to the young beneficiaries.

In addition, other organizations extended their support to the community by providing food packs, clothing, and essential supplies, including 𝗟𝗼𝘇𝗮𝗱𝗮’𝘀 𝗥𝗧𝗪 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 and the 𝗕𝗦𝗕𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, further strengthening the spirit of bayanihan throughout the activity.

The Pamanayon sa Sitio Biokong initiative reflects the shared commitment of KCAST, TDCI, and partner organizations to inclusive, people-centered development. Through sustained collaboration, compassion, and service, the activity reinforces the value of community engagement in addressing health and social needs, while nurturing hope and dignity among Indigenous Peoples.

Photos and Article by: KCAST – Research, Development and Extension Office