The College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), Central Luzon State University (CLSU) partnered with the Department of Science and Technology-Provincial Science and Technology Center (DOST-PSTC) in Nueva Ecija to conduct a series of trainings on squash processing to aid livelihood for the local communities for the selected cooperatives in Cuyapo and Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija through its Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) program.
The group spearheaded by the Acting CASS dean Dr. Jay Santos provided various trainings and assistance to capacitate the Timpuyog Iti Mannalon Ti Barangay San Juan in Cuyapo, Liberty Fishermen and Farmers Association in Brgy. Liberty, and Samahan ng Masisipag na Magsasaka at Mangingisda ng Brgy Villarica, all in Pantabangan.
Prof. Venus Q. Lagmay, faculty from the College of Home Science in Industry (CHSI) shared her expertise in Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This is to provide knowledge and awareness about the proper handling of ingredients, equipment, and utensils for noodle-making, and also to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the facility.
Further, she initiated the demonstration of equipment that the cooperatives can use for their chips and noodle-making production. These include noodle maker, dough mixer, deep fryer, Stainless Steel Working Table, Digital Weighing Scale, foot stamp sealer, blender, and mechanical chip slicer given by DOST. Moreover, she provided opportunities for the participants to experience and explore these technologies through a hands-on activity.
Aside from empowering these cooperatives, this series of activities is the college’s contribution to the university’s efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2, which focuses on achieving zero hunger while striving to also reach food security and improve nutrition in communities, and 1 (No Poverty) to help address the need for additional income to lessen poverty in these communities.
