DOST, DTI, DAR conducts pineapple processing training in Maydolong, Eastern Samar

Ms.Villaluz and Mr. Hermida of DOST-ITDI demonstrating
the preparation ofpineapple in syrup

Realizing the great potential of pineapple industry in the province of Eastern Samar, the Department of Science and Technology Eastern Samar Provincial S&T Center (DOST-Eastern Samar), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Eastern Samar Provincial Office, and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) – Eastern Samar with the full support of LGU-Maydolong, joined forces in conducting the pineapple processing training in Maydolong, Eastern Samar last October 12-13, 2011. Maydolong is considered to be the largest pineapple-producing municipality in the province, both in terms of land area and actual production.

The two-day training was held in Brgy. Canloterio, Maydolong with participants who are pineapple farmers from the barangay and three (3) other pineapple producing barangays in the municipality, namely: Brgy. Guindalitan, Brgy. San Gabriel and Brgy. Lapgap. Every year, these farmers faced significant wastage of harvest mainly because of rejects due to stunted growth, natural deformation, and pest attacks. And with the huge pineapple production, these farmers oftentimes find it difficult to market all of its products in the province alone, forcing them to lower its selling price and yet return home with overriped pineapples.With experts Ms. Charito Villaluz and Mr. Rolando Hermida from the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), the farmers were taught on how to make pineapples in syrup, pineapple juice, pineapple puree, pineapple vinegar, and wine. The training, which includes lectures and hands-on demonstration on pineapple processing, also provided the participants with knowledge on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), a must for food processing business.

MayorHenry Afable gracing the closing program of the training

In his message, Mayor Henry Afable thanked the DOST, DTI and DAR for conducting the training and said that the training “was a classic example of government agencies converging their resources to achieve the common goal of supporting the pineapple farmers”. He also added the training is just the first step of developing the pineapple industry as LGU-Maydolong plans to build a pineapple processing plant in the near future.

The DTI provided the basic equipment and utensils for pineapple processing while the DAR identified and formally organized the pineapple growers, most of whom are Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs). LGU-Maydolong, on the other hand, sponsored the food for all the participants and the food and accommodation of the experts. The plane fares of the experts were funded under the DOST-Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

For more information, please visit our office or call us at landline number (055) 261-2664 or call/text us using mobile number 0918.515.9990.

Prepared by: ARNALDO T. AMOSCO JR. Provincial S&T Director