By JOHN MAICO M. HERNANDEZ
MEMBERS of Kababaihan (Municipal Women Coordinating Council) in barangays Bignay and Lagadlarin in Lobo town in Batangas participated in the socio-economic development project recently. They get involved in the Training on Coconut-based Products Processing conducted by DOST Batangas in partnership with Municipal Tourism Office of LGU-Lobo at Ginga Farm, Brgy. Sawang, Lobo, Batangas, April 5-6.
The trainors adopted the technology of University of the Philippines Los Banos, College of Agriculture on coconut-based products. Experts, Ms. Claire Zubia, Mr. Joel Rivadeneira and Mr. RomelFelismino, shared their expertise on processing bukoyema, coco jam, buko in syrup, pakumbo, and buko juice.
Good manufacturing practices to ensure product quality and consistency including products’ health benefits, costing, product packaging, and labelling were also imparted to participants. After the training, the participants were evaluated based on their learnings.
Meanwhile, the trainors, motivated the Kababaihan members to sustain their venture into coconut-based products processing because of its extensive market potential.
The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the family Arecaceae (palm family) and the only species of the genus Cocos. The term coconut can refer to the whole coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which, botanically, is a drupe, not a nut. It is known to be important in stabilizing blood sugar; lowering cholesterol; healing; hydration; and even replacing blood plasma in an emergency.
In Lobo, Batangas, coconut is one of the most abundant crops which provides locals with livelihood. As LGU-Lobo aspires to unfold the maximum potential of its people, greater concern for women empowerment is at present sake. Since coconuts are one of their common crops, women were dispensed with a livelihood plan consuming coconut products.|#BALIKAS_News
