28/07/2025
San Manuel residents trained on food processing
In support of the Nutrition Month Celebration of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Manuel, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Tarlac Provincial Office, through the Negosyo Center San Manuel, conducted three simultaneous skills training on food processing at the Livelihood and Skills Training Center of San Manuel.
The trainings focused on meat processing, veggie noodle-making, and fruit jam-making, benefiting a total of 135 residents from the barangays across the municipalities.
“The learning event aims to equip the participants with knowledge and skills that can lead to livelihood opportunities and a sustainable source of income,” Acting Provincial Director Florencia Balilo said.
Ms. Arceli Oriondo, an experienced entrepreneur, led the sessions on meat processing and veggie noodle making. She demonstrated the process of making longganisa, as well as moringa and kangkong noodles.
Simultaneously, Business Counselor Angelie Mikka Aquino of Negosyo Center Camiling, served as the trainer for the fruit jam-making session. She guided the participants on the procedure for preparing both pineapple and mango jam.
Mr. Rafael Garcia, a representative from the LGU, emphasized the deeper value of the activity beyond just skills development
“Ang skills training na ito ay isang mahalagang hakbang tungo sa pagpapalawak ng ating kakayahan at paglalantad ng galing na nasa ating kalooban. Hindi lamang ito tungkol sa bagong kaalaman, kundi isang paraan upang gisingin ang ating sigasig, buuin ang kumpiyansa sa sarili, at magbukas ng mga oportunidad para sa mas matagumpay na kinabukasan.”
Meanwhile, one of the participants, Samantha Corpuz, shared her appreciation for the program.
“Taos-puso po kaming nagpapasalamat sa DTI Negosyo Center San Manuel sa pagbibigay sa amin ng ganitong makabuluhang skills training. Malaki po ang naitulong nito sa aming kaalaman at kakayahan na maaari naming magamit sa paghahanapbuhay at pag-unlad,” she said.
The municipality is set to hold a cook fest at the end of July in search of the best Longganisa de San Manuel to further promote local food innovation and culinary entrepreneurship. The meat processing trainees will take part and showcase their own longganisa variants.