Rural women across Ilocos Norte celebrated their accomplishments during the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) Achievement Day on Monday, highlighting how government-supported livelihood programs are helping strengthen income and community enterprises.
The whole-day celebration at the Laoag City Centennial Arena, organized by the Provincial Agriculture Office, showcased the achievements of RIC members in various livelihood and community-based activities, including food processing, mushroom production, gardening and handicrafts.
One of the highlights of the activity was a mushroom-based cooking competition, where participating clubs demonstrated their creativity by transforming locally produced mushrooms into nutritious and potentially marketable dishes.
“After working as an all-around helper in Greece for six years, I am glad I’m home for good and do what I love, like cooking,” Mari Galicinao, vice president of RIC Pasuquin, told the Philippine News Agency.
Galicinao’s group, among the top three placers, cooked dinakdakan using locally grown mushroom as healthy alternative to the traditional pig’s face (maskara), ears and brain, tossed in a tangy, spicy and creamy dressing.
The activity promoted mushroom production as alternative livelihood for rural households. By transforming fresh mushrooms into ready-to-eat food products, RIC members demonstrated how agricultural products can generate additional income for families and communities.
The event provided an opportunity for the clubs to exchange recipes, techniques and ideas, while promoting locally produced agricultural products.
Other high-value crops featured at the event were innovative garlic value-adding products where rural women showcased the skills they learned from previous government-initiated programs to improve their capabilities and contribute more significantly to their families’ financial well-being.
“We are so thankful to the government for creating more livelihood opportunities for rural women. Through their programs, we are inspired to work collectively, share knowledge and develop community-based enterprises,” Janet Iglesia, president of the Caraitan RIC in Badoc, said. (PNA)
