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TANGCAL, LANAO DEL NORTE—To provide modern technical guidance and assist farmers in value-adding production, the Department of Science and Technology—X (DOST—X) trained the Small Banisilon Farmers Association in food safety and good manufacturing practices.
On September 26, 2024, trainers capacitated thirty-nine individuals who attended the training at the Barangay Small Banisilon Gymnasium in Tangal, Lanao del Norte.
The association is composed of farmers who are beneficiaries of the Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program, which aims to alleviate poverty in the marginalized sectors of agriculture and fishery.
The DA-SAAD Program introduced the association to DOST-X to elevate its production of bottled chili garlic, soon-to-be-available dried chilis, and virgin coconut oil.
This activity aligns with DOST’s strategy to provide STI-driven support services for the production and manufacturing sectors, which will help them in value-adding activities of their agricultural goods.
In her remarks, Ms. Carion M. Mapandi, the Association President, underscored the relevance of food safety to her members and how it can add value to their livelihood and be applied in their daily lives.
Ms. Gerrylou Sweet Pia and Ms. Melody Anne Donio were the activity trainers. Trainers taught farmers to identify and mitigate food hazards that could compromise the quality of their bottled chili garlic products and future products.
The training attendees were taught techniques for improving their product labels and production layouts, making their products more appealing to the public, and complying with regulatory requirements.
DOST-X extended its assistance through consultation on developing the association’s plant layout design to improve its production process, leading to increased output and higher-quality products.
With the new insights gained from the training, the Small Banisilon Farmers Association is optimistic about improving the quality and safety of their products, which could open new opportunities for growth and market expansion.
DA-SAAD Focal Person, Mr. Ashary Sanguilingan, stated, “Small Banisilan Farmers Association is grateful for the collaborative effort we extended to them. The Food Safety Training by the DOST is a stepping stone for the association to establish a community-based enterprise. I hope all SAAD Phase 2 supported associations in Lanao del Norte can benefit from this training.”
This activity addresses the target of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2.3, which aims to double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, and others, for value addition and non-farm employment by 2030. (MAHDonio, PSTO-LDN, DOST 10)
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