TARLAC CITY, Nov.20 (PIA) -- Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) received a number of equipment from Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the agency's Grants-in-Aid program.

It includes a set of bakery equipment and Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station (STARBOOKS).

DOST Regional Director Julius Caesar Sicat said the bakery equipment was given to TRADOC in a bid to produce veggie breads that can enhance the nutrition of uniformed personnel.

Also, Sicat is eyeing to partner with TRADOC in the production of enhanced Nutribun which has been re-formulated and recently re-launched by DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).

"DOST-FNRI is now looking for institutional partners to produce the bread so it can be made available for public consumption. Not only will it provide better nutrition and become an income generating project, it will also provide assistance to neighboring communities around the camp," he explained.

For his part, TRADOC Commander Major General Cornelio Valencia expressed his appreciation to the support of DOST especially in this time of pandemic.

"Because having a bakery inside camp will prevent us from going outside just to buy bread. As Filipinos, eating hot pandesal in the morning is an energy booster to start our day. So, having it readily available inside camp is very practical," Valencia said.

Meanwhile, DOST handed-over a set of STARBOOKS hardware and software with user-friendly "pods" to the camp's library facilities.

"With this STARBOOKS program, we will have more access to information, and having access to literacy and informative resources is a priceless gift," Valencia stressed.

Through STARBOOKS, users can access scientific information physically available at the DOST Science and Technology Information Institute library in Bicutan such as SciNet, Philippines eLib project sources, and other subscribed databases. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)