Barangay functionaries in MataasnaKahoy, Batangas were trained on the value addition of root crops in a technology training conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Batangas, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of MataasnaKahoy, Batangas (LGU-MataasnaKahoy), held at the Municipal Multipurpose Hall of MataasnaKahoy, Batangas, May 05.
The training, organized for 26 barangay functionaries such as health workers, nutrition scholars, police (tanod), secretaries, and councilors, was designed to provide the participants with technologies on value addition of root crops such as ube (purple yam), taro, and cassava that shall serve as their input in establishing community enterprises.
This is in response to the call for science and technology-based intervention of Mataas na Kahoy Mayor Janet M. Ilagan to improve the profitability of these root crops through introduction of technology-based applications.
Value addition technologies trained to the participants were ube jam, ube chips, taro chips, cassava chips, and cassava cake processing. A discussion on ube, taro, and cassava, including their varieties and product applications, was conducted prior to the demonstration.
Actual processing followed after the discussion, and participants were asked to do the process themselves. An awareness seminar on Basic Food Hygiene was also integrated in the training to ensure participants’ compliance with food safety requirements.
Mr. Romel M. Felismino and Ms. Claire S. Zubia, University Researchers at the Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, facilitated these activities.#
