To promote food safety practices and enhance the value chain of onion production in Occidental Mindoro, 31 Agricultural Extension Workers, farmers, and agri-enthusiasts successfully graduated on April 18, 2024, from the “Training on Onion Processing with Good Manufacturing Practices and Gender and Development,” held at Seasons Hotel and Convention Center in San Jose.
The three-day training, which started on April 16, involved various discussions and hands-on activities under the guidance of the resource speakers, namely, Mr. Arvin Jonathan Lumata Flores, Instructor I/Technology Transfer Officer, and Mr. Ryan Mark A. Ambong, Instructor III, both from Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC)-Murtha Campus.
One of the practical sessions was on onion value-adding processes conducted at the food processing facility of OMSC – Murtha Campus. During the activity, food safety principles were practiced, ensuring the production of safe and high-quality onion products.
Participants also learned about the significance of packaging and labeling in product marketing. Using tools like Canva, they were taught how to design attractive product labels and packaging materials. Moreover, they computed the cost for their products, producing a total of 36 bottles of pickled onions and 16 packs of dried onion flakes with packaging during the training.
Aside from the knowledge and skills gained by the participants, they were able to form collaborations with OMSC for possible interventions for the benefit of onion farmers in the province. Additionally, the participants tasted the latest food products of the school, such as onion-flavored ice cream and onion pandesal.
Furthermore, the training shed light on gender roles in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of breaking stereotypes and promoting inclusivity. Participants attained meaningful insights into the valuable contributions of both men and women in farming activities, fostering equal opportunities and recognition for all.
Ms. Josephine S. Gamboa, a farmer from the Samahan ng Organikong Magsasaka ng Kanlurang Mindoro, shared her appreciation for the training, particularly highlighting its relevance in promoting alternative ways of storing and marketing onions.
“Marami po akong natutunan lalo na sa pagproseso ng sibuyas. Noon po, marami kaming nasasayang na sibuyas dahil wala kaming cold storage. Bilang simpleng magsasaka lang, hindi namin kayang magkaroon nito. Tungkol naman sa mga label bilang mga mamimili, marami kaming hindi alam. Madalas lang kaming bumibili ngunit hindi namin tinitingnan ang mga nilalaman”, she expressed.
The said training was facilitated by the Career Development and Management Services of the Agricultural Training Institute in MIMAROPA, led by Ms. Cheri Dawn F. Falogme, Media Production Specialist II/HVC Point Person.
