Building on the success of its recent mushroom chips processing training, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Cagayan Valley introduced another value-adding livelihood opportunity to members of the Patanad Self-Help Group and Farmers Association (PSHGFA) through a corn processing activity held in Barangay Patanad, San Isidro, Isabela last July 14, 2026.
A total of 17 members of the association participated in the training, which focused on enhancing their skills in producing value-added corn products and creating additional income opportunities for the group.
Ms. Sheryl De Guzman, Science Research Analyst, served as the resource person and facilitator. She demonstrated the step-by-step preparation of various corn-based products, including binatog, cracknick, corn noodles, tortillas, and corn coffee, using locally produced corn.
The activity sought to promote entrepreneurship, improve the food processing skills of the members, and create additional income sources for the association. Through hands-on demonstrations, members gained practical knowledge on proper food preparation, processing techniques, food safety, and product quality.
Officers of the association encouraged all members to apply their newly acquired skills and collaborate in developing marketable corn-based products, emphasizing that value-adding increases market value while reducing post-harvest losses.
PSHGFA President Ms. Violy Corpuz expressed her appreciation for the continued support of the DA-SAAD Program, noting that the training equips members with practical skills that can help improve their livelihoods.
“Bilang isang President, nagpapasalamat kami sa mga natutunan namin sa lahat ng seminar o training sa aming livelihood ng DA. Malaking tulong sa amin ito para mas lalo pang lumago ang aming production at bumaba ang aming gastosin. Sana po patuloy kaming suportahan para maabot namin ang magandang kinabukasan ng aming livelihood at tagumpay ng association at sa aming individual na hanapbuhay. Mabuhay ang DA-SAAD,” said Corpuz.
(As President, we are grateful for what we learned from all the livelihood seminars and training from the DA. This has been a big help for us to further grow our production and lower our expenses. We hope that you will continue to support us so we can achieve a bright future for our livelihood and the success of our association and our individual livelihoods. Long live DA SAAD!)
The Patanad Farmers Association further thanked its partners for their ongoing support and pledged to continue empowering its members through agricultural training and livelihood projects.
