π‚π‡π‘πŽππˆπ‚π‹π„π’ | 𝐓𝐀𝐔, 𝐃𝐀-π€π“πˆ 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐀𝐬𝐑𝐨𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 π‘πˆπ‚ 𝐨𝐧 𝐟π₯𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐒𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐒𝐚π₯ 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β  Β 

With the intent of creating traditional, unique, and market-responsive products, the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Papaac, Camiling, Tarlac collaborated with Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU), through its Department of Extension and Training (DET), and the Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Training Institute (DA–ATI), to conduct a three-day training-workshop entitled β€œEnhancing Sweet Camote and Banana Chips: Training on Flavor Innovation and Financial Literacy for Rurl Improvement Club” at the Farmer’s Training Center (FTC) from July 9 to 11.

This initiative sought to strengthen community organizations like the RIC through capacity enhancement activities designed to empower women in rural areas. It aimed to enrich their knowledge and technical skills in producing value-added goods that are both culturally rooted and economically viable. For this year’s training, the RIC Papaac Chapter focused on innovating their camote and banana chips, and thus reached out to TAU and DA–ATI for expert guidance on flavor enhancement and business sustainability.

The training opened with comprehensive sessions on food safety standards, sustainable packaging, product development, and cost-efficient marketing strategies. Participants also engaged in practical applications of these conceptsβ€”exploring new flavor profiles and improving production processes to enhance the overall quality of their sweet camote and banana chips.

TAU has long been active in delivering relevant extension and technical services to support community-based development and livelihood improvement in the province and beyond. This sustained engagement reflects TAU’s commitment to inclusive growth, as aligned with its mandate as a premier state university for agriculture and rural transformation.

Dr. Agnes C. Perey, Director of DET, emphasized this during her message:
β€œWith the unwavering support of the Tarlac Agricultural University administration, led by our esteemed University President Dr. Silverio Ramon D.C. Salunson, we are deeply honored to share our knowledge and expertise in advancing local food productsβ€”specifically the traditional sweet camote and banana chips. Through this initiative, we aim to enhance these well-loved delicacies by introducing flavor innovations that not only preserve their cultural value but also increase their market potential,” she stated.

β€œThis collaborative effort with the members of the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) reflects our continued commitment to community-based development and capacity-building. Equally, we are privileged to have the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA–ATI) as a steadfast partner in many of our extension programs. Their trust and support have made endeavors like this both possible and meaningful,” Perey added.

Dr. Salunson, in a separate statement, expressed his support for initiatives that empower grassroots organizations: β€œTAU remains dedicated to elevating the economic and social resilience of rural communities. We view programs such as this not merely as training activities but as integral to our mission to strengthen community enterprise and promote agricultural innovation at the grassroots level.”

Meanwhile, Ms. Clarisa J. Gomez, President of the RIC Papaac Chapter, shared her appreciation for the support extended by both TAU and DA–ATI: β€œAdditional knowledge po sa aming grupo at nalaman po namin β€˜yung iba pang best way na ma-produce β€˜yung potato at saka banana chips. Successful po yung training na naganap dito at marami po kaming natutunan,” she said.

This collaboration not only expanded RIC’s technical competencies but also encouraged the pursuit of new approaches in scaling up their small businesses.

#SmartTAU #GreenandGlobal #DET #DA-ATI #SDG1 #SDG4 #SDG5 #SDG8 #SDG10 #SDG12 #SDG17

Article | Information UnitΒ 
Photos | Information Unit and Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Center Regional Training Center III

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