CARAGA REGION, November 4, 2024 – To enhance farmers’ skills in pineapple production and processing, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) held a training on pineapple processing and benchmarking in Butuan City last October 21 and 22, 2024.

The Abad Santos Farmers Association (ASFA), one of 28 farmers’ associations in the SAAD Program Phase 2, has 25 members and received support for pineapple and camote production projects with a total budget of Php 1,615,000.55 for fiscal year 2024.

The SAAD program aims to empower farmers and help them improve their products to increase profits. This approach promotes sustainable projects and encourages farmers to see the income potential in agriculture.

During the training, four representatives from ASFA visited Kharis Farm and the Caraga State University – Caraga Food Innovation Center (CSU – Caraga FIC) in Butuan City for benchmarking. They learned about processing dried pineapple, which included washing, peeling, blanching, slicing, coring, soaking, and drying.

Ms. Kristy Valentina D. Fabe, a technical expert from CSU — Caraga FIC, led the training sessions, covering the following topics:

• Module 1: Introduction to Dried Pineapple Processing
• Module 2: Pineapple Selection and Harvesting
• Module 3: Pre-processing and Preparation
• Module 4: Drying Methods and Equipment
• Module 5: Packaging and Storage
• Module 6: Quality Control and Safety

The training was facilitated by Assistant Provincial Coordinator Gressa Mae L. Santisas, along with Community Development Officers Ariel B. Obillos and Laurence P. Bandola. The Municipality of Santa Monica also provided support through agriculture representatives Ms. Nethelyn N. Dolar, Ms. Marilou B. Humandos, and Mr. Diomil D. Dotillos.

ASFA President Johnry G. Arlan expressed his gratitude for the training, saying, “Isip presidente, dako ni nga tabang na training kay makahimo mi og mga produkto gikan sa pineapple sama sa pineapple juice ug dried pineapple. Isa sa gi target nako nga makatabang ko sa akong mga miyembro ug itudlo nako unsa akong mga nakat-onan sa training para mas mo lambo among organisasyon”.

(As president, this training is a big help because we can make products from pineapple, such as pineapple juice and dried pineapple. I plan to teach my members what I learned in the training so we can grow our organization.)

Update on Pineapple and Camote Projects

For pineapple production, the association manages a 0.3-hectare communal farm that they received in June 2023. All members have agreed to take responsibility for regular visits for cleaning, weeding, and fertilization. They expect to harvest in December 2024 or January 2025. For camote production, planting materials are scheduled to be delivered in the last quarter of this year.

The SAAD program continues to provide farmers with learning opportunities focused on product enhancement, helping them prepare for a successful and sustainable agricultural future. ###

Writer: Shena Mae C. Pabia, DA-SAAD Caraga Regional Information Officer