The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office 1 (DOST1), through the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) of La Union, organized a two-day training program in two municipalities of La Union. This initiative aimed to support local associations with practical skills in food production. Held on June 15-16, 2023, the program included the Pangasinan State University Food Innovation Center (PSU-FIC), which contributed its technical expertise to the training sessions.
The first day of training on June 15 took place in Bangar, La Union, where members of the Sinapangan Sur Farmers Agricultural Multi-Purpose Cooperative learned about tupig processing. The following day, June 16, a workshop on bubod making was held in Barangay Delles, Burgos, La Union. Mr. Jonathan M. Viernes, PSTO-La Union Provincial Director, formally opened the sessions, with Ms. Ria Wayne Gamboa facilitating the proceedings.
PSU-FIC’s technical staff played an essential role as resource speakers. Ms. Monica May Varilla, Project Technical Assistant 1, provided a thorough presentation on food safety and good manufacturing practices. Meanwhile, Ms. Meryl A. Bernardino, a PSU-FIC researcher, taught participants the processes of making tupig and bubod and shared methods for extending product shelf life. Participants were highly engaged in the hands-on demonstrations, acquiring valuable skills to support their livelihoods.
The training was a success, with participants expressing gratitude for the knowledge gained. Certificates were awarded to all who completed the workshops. This collaborative effort was supported by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agriculture Research (DA-BAR) and the Local Government Unit of Burgos, highlighting a united effort to foster sustainable local livelihoods.