Every morsel of food or every piece of vegetable is very important in helping ensure food security, not only for families but also for many communities in the country. Because of this, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Quirino helps Quirino farmers in the processing of excess farm produce, therefore minimizing waste. This initiative is implemented in collaboration with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) – Quirino Irrigation Management Office.
This initiative involves the conduct of livelihood training on veggie noodles processing to farmers, as well as irrigators’ association members from Quirino that includes the Northwestern part of Nagtipunan which is known to be an area that produces plenty of vegetables where they sometimes experience oversupply.
The training conducted at Belance, Dupax Del Norte, Nueva Vizacaya was part of the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPHAP) Program approved by former President Rodrigo Duterte way back in 2016 to address hunger mitigation, food security and poverty reduction more effectively through the ‘whole-of-nation’ approach.
The training was conducted by Dir. Lucio Calimag of PSTO Isabela and assisted by Lhea Seculles and Nelson Calimag of PSTO Quirino. This became an eye opener for the Quirino farmers to increase their livelihood opportunities.
During the training, Dir. Calimag encouraged the participants to improve and innovate the transferred technology. Moreover, PD Calimag shared tips in developing other products with great market potential.
Meanwhile, Engr. Rainier Aquino, IDU head, urged the participants to use the learnings acquired during the training to increase family income.
Further, Engr. Aquino thanked DOST Quirino in positively answering to their call to help the farmers maximize their potential by upskilling them.
Recently, DOST Quirino was also awarded a certificate of recognition received by PD Rocela Angelica Gorospe for its support and assistance to the various farmers and irrigators associations of the QIMO, thus enhancing the technology know-how of farmers leading to the increase of their agricultural productivity.
DOST Quirino, through PD Gorospe, hoped that through scientific, technological and innovative approach, together with the support and collaboration of stakeholders, more farmers and processors will benefit from the program to ensure food security and improve the livelihood in the countryside.
