Rizal, Kalinga – March to June serves as the mango season in the Philippines. During these times, some mangoes are left unsold and even rot on farms.
To address such issue, a two-day training on mango processing was conducted at Green Valley Farm in Macutay, Rizal through the collaboration of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Kalinga and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Kalinga.
The training, joined by 24 farmers of Rizal town, provided lectures and hands-on activities on various techniques in mango processing.
According to DOST-Kalinga, equipping the participants with the needed skills and knowledge in mango processing helps add value to said produce, increasing its marketability.
The activity could also pave the way for them to be inspired to go into business and convert their mango produce into profit.
Serving as their resource speaker is Engr. Karl Ian O. Martinez, SRSII of DOST Kalinga, taught them various techniques in mango processing, spanning proper handling, storage techniques, quality assurance and control measures, and compliance with food safety standards.
The farmers were also educated on drying, pulping, and canning, preparing them in venturing to business that manufactures mango-based products.
Products that could be done using mango include jam, mango vinegar, mango candy, pickled mangoes, and dried mangoes.
Moreover, participants were also given a brief lecture on conforming to industry standards as this is needed for their products to be locally and globally competitive.
As DOST-Kalinga stated, mango, given its abundance in the province could provide opportunities for yKalingas to venture into mango-related businesses, providing them income and thereby boosting local economic growth.
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