Two farmer groups from the provinces of Romblon and Palawan have undergone training in tocino, longganisa, and banana chip production through the Department of Agriculture's Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program.
In Romblon, 25 members of the San Jose Swine Raisers Association (SJSRA) in Brgy. Lanas, San Jose, was trained in making tocino and longganisa with the assistance of the Romblon National Institute of Technology (RNIT). The training aims to provide additional income sources for the association, which is a beneficiary of the Swine Production Project.
Previously, the group sold only live pork and meat, but they now aspire to become the island's primary supplier of tocino and longganisa.
Trainer Ma. Dianne Lu Galicia from RNIT emphasized the importance of following exact measurements for each ingredient, proper processing techniques, and maintaining cleanliness to produce high-quality products.
Meanwhile, in Balabac, Palawan, the skills and knowledge of 25 women members of the Cardama Rural Improvement Club (CARDAMA RIC) were enhanced in banana chip production.
Angel Alili Jr. from Western Philippines University taught them the correct methods for weighing, packaging, labeling, and preserving their banana chip products. Besides serving their local community, the group also targets the tourist market in Balabac.
The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the training they received.
“We are grateful for this opportunity. We learned a lot from the training, and we hope to apply this knowledge in the coming days or months. We also hope that SAAD continues to support us,” Settieh Mahideza Sacapaño of SJSRA told DA SAAD MIMAROPA.
This activity is part of the ongoing efforts of the SAAD Program to help farmers enhance their earning capacity and achieve sustainable livelihoods.
