DOST-CALABARZON, together with experts from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), the Southern Luzon State University (SLSU), the Philippine Coconut Research and Development Foundation Inc. (PCRDF), and the full support from the Local Government Units of Alabat Island, conducted the inter-agency initiative, the Makapuno Farmers Training on Proper Embryo Cultured Makapuno (ECM) Farm Management and Makapuno Food Processing simultaneously at the Alabat Training Center, Brgy. Camagong, Alabat, Quezon and via Zoom, from April 12-13.
Under the project titled, “Establishment of Embryo-Cultured Makapuno (ECM) Island in the Municipalities of Alabat, Quezon and Perez in Quezon Province”, the said training brought together about a total of 60 participants comprising ECM farmers from Alabat Island, representatives from government agencies, NGOs, MSMEs and the academe.
Day 1 consisted of refresher lectures featuring Ms. Vermelyn O. Evangelista, Technical Supervisor from PCRDF on Guidelines in ECM Planting and Economic Approach; Mr. Eraldwin Dimailig of SLSU on Intercropping, Environmental Protection, and Integrated Farming; and Ms. Johana Orense of PCA-Davao Research Center on Pest and Disease Management.
To express the local government unit’s (LGU) support of the activity, Dr. Perfecto Viltre D. Chua Cheng, Municipal Administrator of LGU-Alabat, gave his message. Also virtually present in the event were Ms. Emelita P. Bagsit, Regional Director of DOST- CALABARZON; Admin Bernie F. Cruz, Administrator of PCA; DA Ramon L. Rivera, Deputy Administrator of Research and Development Branch of PCA (PCA-RDB); and Dr. Marissa C. Esperal, Vice President for Research, Extension, Production, Development and Innovation of SLSU.
Mr. Joel Arandela, awarded as the Best Makapuno Island Farmer in Alabat during the 2nd National Makapuno Summit last 2020, gave his testimony and showcased his farm interventions. Upon further interview, Mr. Arandela also shared his journey in growing and cultivating his farm ever since the project began.
Mr. Arandela encouraged fellow Makapuno growers in the island to begin their commitment in nurturing their own seedlings and urged concerned agencies for continuous and reciprocal support.
“Kahit ano namang sinisimulan, mahirap eh,” he said, “‘Yung passion ng bawat namumuno ng ahensya, ay maging passion din ng lahat—kasama kaming mga farmers.”
Meanwhile, the second day of the training highlighted topics on Makapuno Processing. Specifically on the Developed Products from Makapuno Galactomannan and Powder and the Levelling Up of Makapuno Processing as discussed by Ms. Evangelista.
Additionally, Ms. Arlene Hila of Sunlight Foods, Inc. shared the Basic Parameters on Makapuno Processing and its Procedures.
Ms. Hila pointed out that there has been a growing demand in Makapuno not just in the Philippines but in the global market. She also called for an inter-agency support in disseminating Makapuno innovations and capacitating our local farmers on this.
“Thank you po sa DOST-CALABARZON sa patuloy na pakikipagtulungan sa mga LGU upang matulungan lalo na ang mga maliliit na bayan katulad ng Alabat na maraming pwedeng maging source of income katulad ng Makapuno,” she remarked.
Moreover, Ms. Sibyl Ann Mari E. Palmes of the PCA-Albay Research Center, on the other hand, tackled Basic Good Manufacturing Practices on Food Processing.
Two technical experts, namely, Ms. Maria Luisa Enal and Ms. Aurita Laguador from the SLSU, virtually assisted the participants on-site in facilitating the Kitchen-Based Cooking of Makapuno and shared some recipes. Lastly, Mr. John Michael Florendo of the Provincial S&T Office of Quezon gave major pointers on Packaging and Labelling.#
