Benguet Corp.conducts food processing training

Single parents of Virac, Itogon, Benguet, watch intently a cooking demonstration during food processing training conducted by Benguet Corp. 

By James Base

ITOGON, Benguet -- With the goal of establishing additional means of livelihood, 21 solo parents in Virac, Itogon, Benguet underwent a three-day training on food processing courtesy of Benguet Corp. in collaboration with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Itogon.

Participants of the meat and fish processing training program were trained on processing tocino, longanisa, tapa(both pork and beef), siomai, bacon, corned beef, hamburger patty, imbutido, ham(boneless and chicken), fish kikkiam, fish nuggets, sardines(in tomato sauce and in oil), and tuna flakes in oil making, as well as on fruit cocktail preparation. 

           

Cipriano Alvarado, a noted long-time local trainer on livelihood from the DOST was assisted by Jane Mercado, Social Welfare Officer 3 from the Itogon.

           

 Alvarado capped the hands-on training with a lecture on product labeling and packaging.

           

This was another phase in a series of programs for solo parents by BenguetCorp in its social development and management program.

The mining company earlier organized the Barangay Virac Solo Parents Association. “We will support them until hopefully they reach commercial production of their choice food processing products. We shall endeavor to help in marketing their products,” said community relations manager Nestor Tollo.

Tollo said the solo parents are in dire need of support, especially on livelihood. “We are well aware how hard it is for solo parents to make a living for their family solely on their own, especially mothers who are not used to being the bread winners for their family,” added Tollo.

Meanwhile, Association president Mary Bayangan thanked Benguet Corp. for the training and attention accorded to them.

She expressed hope that with the mining company’s continuing assistance they will be able to improve their lives and be an example to others like them.