The Department of Agriculture (DA)-Central Luzon’s technologies on mushroom crackers and vegetable noodles were officially turned-over to Binbin Women Gardeners’ Association (BWGA) and Binbin Igorots Association (BIA) during the Technology Transfer Ceremony and Product Launching cum Field Day on 28 September 2021 at Sitio Binbin, Brgy. General Luna in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.
The said activity was part of the project titled, “Upscaling of Mushroom Crackers as Additional Income Source of Indigenous People in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija in Support to ALPAS-COVID 19” funded by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR). The project aimed to upscale mushroom crackers as a healthy snack for Filipinos through BWGA by mass producing the product and marketing it to various Kadiwa markets and social media platforms.
DA-BAR director Dr. Vivencio R. Mamaril and DA-Central Luzon Research Division chief Dr. Irene M. Adion led the ceremonial transfer of technologies as well as the signing of the memorandum of understanding, and awarding of processing equipment to BWGA and BIA.
In his message, Dr. Mamaril commended the improvement of the product quality since its development. He provided comments and suggestions to make the product competitive and penetrate the mainstream market. Further, he stressed that compliance to needed requirements and good manufacturing practice shall ensure the quality and safety of the product.
Expressing his gratitude, Dominguez Palangyos, BIA chairperson said, “Kami po’y nagpapasalamat sa mga project na binibigay ninyo sa amin at kahit na pinakaliblib itong area namin ay natagpuan ninyo....sa katotohanan naman ay malaki ang naitulong nitong project dahil nadagdagan ang kabuhayan namin.”
“Maraming salamat po sa pagbigay ng project na ito sa amin. Madami pong naitulong at naging impact ito sa amin. Sa paggawa pa lang po ng mushroom crackers, natutunan namin gumawa at mag-produce rin ng fruiting bags,” Crystal Diaus, BWGA secretary added.
Both associations hope that the developments made by the project will be sustained in their community. Further, seeking for continuous support in the establishment of their own office and processing facility.
The activity was attended by the members of BWGA, BIA along with the officials and representatives from the DA-Central Luzon and the LGU of Municipality of Carranglan.