The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has released PHP711,000 grant-in-aid (GIA) to provide a boost to the livelihood undertaking of a women’s group in the municipality of Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Merilyn Cadag, Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Science and Technology chief, said Tuesday the beneficiary, Piñan Women Livelihood Bread, Cakes and Pastries Association (PWLBCPA), will use the funds to buy new equipment to upgrade its bakery business.

Cadag said that among the equipment to be acquired include new gas-fired oven, dough mixer, dough kneader, proofing machine, food preservation facility and stainless steel working tables, among others.

The assistance will also include other interventions such as product testing and analysis, product packaging and labeling, consultancy services on proper plant lay-outing and training on good manufacturing practices (GMP) and sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOP).

She said the interventions will help the 20-member association comply with the food safety requirements, a prerequisite in acquiring a license-to-operate from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A license-to-operate from FDA will allow the association to penetrate bigger market as they will be able to sell their products in grocery stores and supermarkets, Cadag added.

Lesmes Zamoras, PWLBCPA president, said their group’s objective is to uplift the living condition of their members through sustained income from their business operation.

“We will be able to increase our production output and sales by acquiring those mechanized equipment,” Zamoras said.

Meanwhile, the municipal government Piñan has also provided a PHP1 million counterpart funding assistance for the lot acquisition and building construction of the new production facility. (PNA)