The project management team of “Sustainability of Diversified and Integrated Rice-based Farming System in the Rainfed Lowland and Upland Areas of Central Luzon” conducted a hands-on training session on November 21, 2024 titled “Empowering Rural Communities through Local Product Innovation” at Mayantoc Municipal Hall, Poblacion Sur, Mayantoc, Tarlac.

The training aims to empower farmers, youth, and rural women to create sustainable, income-generating ventures by producing safe and marketable products such as pickled bitter gourd, turmeric tea, and sweet potato and banana chips. Serving as the resource speaker, Ms. Joy Christine V. Sta. Cruz, program chairperson of the Food Technology Department, delivered an insightful lecture on the principles of pickling and sugar preservation.

She is also leading practical demonstrations on the proper techniques for selecting, preparing, and processing bitter gourd, ginger, sweet potato, and bananas. Additionally, Ms. Sta. Cruz is emphasizing the importance of maintaining strict hygiene practices throughout the production process, particularly in crafting high-quality banana and sweet potato chips and ginger tea.

The event concluded with a signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the project’s 12 farmer-beneficiaries, solidifying their commitment to the initiative. This was followed by the release of financial assistance, providing the beneficiaries with vital support to kickstart their agricultural ventures.