The members of Bita-og Gaja Women Association in action for Agri-Based Product Processing.
The sound of oil sizzling, the smell of freshly fried chips, and the laughter of empowered women filled the air as the Bita-og Gaja Women Association rolled up their sleeves for an exciting day of learning and livelihood development on November 19, 2024. Hosted in the barangay of Bita-og Gaja, this training on Agri-Based Product Processing marked a transformative moment for 25 eager participants who are determined to turn local produce into profit.
Setting the Stage
The day began with a solemn prayer led by Ms. Webina Sudario, grounding the participants in gratitude and hope. Barangay Captain Jose B. Sumbong, in his welcoming remarks, commended the women for their enthusiasm and stressed the importance of sustaining livelihood projects like this.
Ms. Angela Betita, the community coordinator, outlined the training objectives:
- Teach the participants the basics of food processing using local produce like bananas, camote, kangkong, and malunggay.
- To jumpstart a sustainable livelihood program for the women’s association.
- To pave the way for Bita-og Gaja to establish its own One Barangay One Product (OBOP) initiative.
Mrs. Xc Siaton-Labaton, Development Management Officer of the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) office, shared inspiring insights about LEDIP’s mission to foster economic growth through skill development and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The stage was set, and the women of Bita-og Gaja were ready to fry their way to success under the expert guidance of resource person Ms. Ma. Leah Danasco.
The Training Proper: From Farm to Fryer
The training kicked off with a simple yet crucial step: ensuring cleanliness. Ms. Danasco emphasized that maintaining hygiene during food preparation is non-negotiable, particularly when handling raw ingredients like bananas, kangkong, malunggay, and camote.
The members of Bita-og Gaja Women Association enthusiastically peeled, sliced, and measured ingredients to create their first products: banana chips and banana fries. The process was hands-on, with everyone taking turns frying the slices to golden perfection and preparing a sweet glaze for added flavor.
Next, the spotlight shifted to vegetables, as kangkong, camote, and malunggay took center stage. The participants learned the secrets of achieving the perfect crispiness, ensuring that each chip retained its distinct flavor. The chips were cooled before being neatly packaged, and ready for distribution and sale.
Voices of Gratitude and Commitment
As the day wrapped up, it was clear that this training had left an indelible mark on the participants.
- Kagawad Roda: “SEA and LIDEP, thank you for this initiative. It’s a big help for our community. I hope this project will be sustained.”
- Kagawad Oscar: “These skills empower the women in our barangay. Let’s continue this project and make it grow.”
- Ma’am Demetria: “We’ve attended many trainings, but we need to apply what we’ve learned. Let’s turn this knowledge into a livelihood.”
- Ma’am Angeles: “Thank you to LIDEP and SEA. The women of Bita-og Gaja have shown incredible cooperation and hard work. Let’s sustain this effort for a better future.”
A Recipe for Success
The training not only provided the participants with practical skills but also sparked a collective vision for a more empowered Bita-og Gaja. As the women packed their crispy creations, they also packed their dreams of financial independence and community development.
Ms. Ma. Leah Danasco, LIDEP Trainer for Agri-Based Product Processing with the members of the Bita-og Gaja Women Association
From banana chips to malunggay crisps, this training was more than just a culinary adventure—it was a stepping stone toward economic empowerment, proving that with the right ingredients, the women of Bita-og Gaja can cook up a brighter future.
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