Camarines Sur map. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Banana chips production in Camarines Sur was granted a project worth almost P1 million through a partnership between government agencies and other institutions, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said Monday.
In a statement, the DAR said that it forged a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI), and the local government unit of Bombon.
This partnership, it said, involves a project costing P950,000.
DAR added that the project’s beneficiary, Siembre Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (SARBO), seeks to assist them in bringing their products across the country.
“The funds will be utilized for the construction materials and upgraded tools and equipment to make new improvements to the banana chip processing center donated by PSFI,” said Renato C. Bequillo, Camarines Sur II agrarian reform chief.
Besides this, the DAR will also earmark P180,000 for the skills and managerial training of the officers and members of SARBO.
It will extend another P370,000 for product enhancements, member capacity building, and marketing initiatives.
Meanwhile, the DOST will provide technical guidance, such as labeling, handling, and packaging.
DTI, on the other hand, will assist them in adapting its products to market demands and sell them to marketing events.
“SARBO, consisting of 130 members, is already producing eight delicious varieties of banana chips that are selling like hotcakes in stores, pasalubong centers, and offices around the province. They plan to introduce chocolate-flavored banana chips, which will be a delicious addition to their existing flavors,” Bequillo said.
DAR reported that as of January 2023, the organization’s sales reached P445,450 since 2021.
According to the DAR, this partnership is under Village Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) program. — Maria Liezl Projella, INQUIRER.net trainee
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