Women-led kakanin producers’ group of Jomalig, Quezon get food processing equipment from DOST
“Tayong mga babae ay hindi babae lang; tayo’y mga babae,” said Jomalig Municipal Science and Technology Officer (MSTO), Elizabeth A. Eyatid, during the inauguration of the Jomalig Food Processors Association (JFPA) facility that came equipped with tools and equipment, held on 19 May 2021.
The JFPA is a people’s organization composed mostly of mothers making and selling kakanin (rice cakes) in the island municipality of Jomalig, Quezon.
To improve their production capacity and efficiency, DOST-CALABARZON turned over to JFPA several food processing tools and equipment, including grains and vegetable grinder, cassava shredder, coconut grater, coconut milk presser, upright freezer, cooking utensils, and stainless working tables. The agency also provided the association a solar power system to save on electricity costs. Meanwhile, the Local Government Unit of Jomalig funded the construction of the JFPA facility.
Rolinda R. Verdan, president of JFPA, said that the facility will be used outright to maximize the donated resources, and centralize kakanin production in Jomalig. In her acceptance speech during the inauguration, she remarked, “Naluluha po ako sasaya dahil nga [naisakatuparan] ang layunin ng programang ito na maiangat ang komunidad. Ako po’y natutuwa na ang mga kababayan natin, lalo na ang mga nanay, ay nabigyan ng pagkakataonnamaghanapbuhay at makasabaysapagtaas ng demand sapagkain. Makakaasa po kayo na kami—ang samahan—ay magiging matagumpay para sa ikauunlad ng lahat, at hindi masayang ang tulong ng DOST sa bayan ng Jomalig.”
Looking back, Eyatid shared the difficulties JFPA faced since its inception in 2018. “Naging emosyonal po ako habang iniisip kung paano nangyari itong project. Napakarami po ng challenges, [pero] hindi ko po ito binitawan kahit nasa mga panahong nagkaproblema sa association, inabot ng pandemic—ang pondo ay halos ibalikna.” she recounted.
Furthermore, Verdan mentioned the losses the association incurred recently when they produced kakanin in anticipation of the growing number of tourists in the island only to experience a major setback when travel restrictions took effect due to the pandemic.But despite the challenges, JFPA pushed through, determined to survive and keep their business afloat amid the low arrival of tourists.
The Department of Science and Technology – CALABARZON (DOST-CALABARZON), through its Provincial Science and Technology Center in Quezon (DOST-PSTC Quezon), identified Jomalig as one of its priority beneficiaries of the Enhanced Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (E-CEST) Program in 2018. Though considered as a geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA), Jomalig was seen to have great economic potential and would surely benefit from the S&T interventions that the E-CEST program offers under the Livelihood/Economic Enterprise Development component. (By: Krizzia Mei C. Esperanza, DOST-CALABARZON)
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