One of the projects under the Malnutrition program is to help the
community gain additional income for their families. Thus, the team invited the Department of Science and
Technology to conduct a livelihood seminar on food processing among the Women’s
Association and residents of the barangay. The seminar started with food safety and proper food handling.
The
members of the Women’s Association were very active during the discussion and
raised several questions on how to improve their livelihood center and their
product – Venus Nutri-Squash Pancit Canton. Ma’am Cadag, the speaker during the
seminar, was very informative and patient in elaborating all the protocols and
standards of a product manufacturer in order to sell the product in bigger
establishments. Part two of the seminar was focused on turning corn into
delicious goods that are saleable in the market – corn polvoron, corn pastillas
and corn fritters. Two more DOST staffs demonstrated the process of making
these goods while asking for volunteers from the Women’s members. The members
too were very participative in cooking and packing the goods after. Recipes for
these products were given to the association and the costing was also
discussed.
The team aims to promote more livelihood activities that the
residents can do in order to have additional income for their families. We hope
to invite more government agencies and NGOs for livelihood trainings and seminars
that the residents can attend to enhance their skills. This could lead to
additional income in the community.
