Paracelis, Mountain Province — A total of 30 farmers from seven (7) organized farmer groups, together with three (3) Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), successfully completed the Specialized Training Course on Corn Product and By-product Development in Paracelis, Mt. Province on April 22-24, 2025.
The training aimed to enhance the livelihood opportunities of local farmers by introducing them to value-adding processes, focused on the production of Chichacorn—a crunchy snack made from roasted or fried corn kernels. While corn is already a widely grown crop in the municipality, it is often limited to traditional uses. This initiative sought to unlock new possibilities for farmers by transforming raw corn into marketable food products.
Beyond product innovation, the training also emphasized proper post-harvest handling, storage techniques, and quality control. These best practices are essential to ensure a consistent and high-quality supply of corn suitable for processing, ultimately reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers' income.
The training also emphasized entrepreneurship, encouraging participants to consider microenterprise development as a pathway to economic self-sufficiency and improved household income.
This training was initiated in response to a proposal by the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Mountain Province. By equipping farmers with practical knowledge and hands-on experience, the activity supports the broader goal of local economic growth through agri-based innovation. Participants are expected to cascade their learning to their respective organizations and communities, further expanding the impact of the initiative.
With their new skills, local farmers now have the tools to begin or improve small-scale businesses focused on corn processing. This training marks a significant step towards community development and sustainable livelihood in Paracelis.
