With its desire to create more micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province, the Negosyo Center-San Luis conducted a one day Skills Training on Meat and Fish Processing for MSMEs on March 13, 2018. This was held at the Shared Service Facility Processing Center in Bgy. Real, San Luis, Aurora. A total of thirty (30) MSMEs attended the training.
The skills training was organized in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The said agency tapped the expertise of the Central Luzon State University (CLSU).
The training provided opportunities for would-be and existing MSMEs to gain knowledge on other business ventures, to generate more investments and create further economic and employment opportunities in the area.
At the opening programme led by Business Counselor Florelyn A. Caniete, DTI stressed the need for participants to value the trainings being accorded to them and make every possibility for them to engage in the business.
The training proper started with a series of lectures coupled with an actual demonstration in preparation. This training serves to integrate the importance of food handling and safety in every process. Janet Saturno and Agelina Arellano, both trainers, handled the fish processing part, The lessons shared were on proper deboning of tilapia and the needed ingredients.
The meat processing lectures and demonstration were handled by. Jessica Rustia and her assistant Geraldine Gantioque. Various meat preparations techniques were taught, like pork, beef, and chevon preparation. The speakers oriented the participants about considerations on the ingredients to be used. The speakers also emphasized the importance of food handling and presented drawbacks in the use of powdered ingredients, which require accurate measurements to ensure quality of processed meat and shelf life.
Participants were able to come up with processed fish lumpia, fish nuggets, pickled fish, tocino, skinless longganisa, beef tapa, burger patty and chicken nuggets. Packaging of these products was also demonstrated.
In the same training, proper labelling was presented to make MSMEs aware of its importance for consumer safety and protection.
At the culminating part of the training, there were sharings of insights and learnings among participants. One of them was Joy Tayaben, owner of My Treat restaurant. She said that the learnings she gained will allow her to produce her own requirements for her restaurant and introduce new ones to come up with new menu courses.
With the training, participants were motivated to explore ideas on how to start their own businesses and they were very appreciative of the support provided to them by DTI and DOST. The Negosyo Center –San Luis offered its services to the participants especially on how to go about starting a small business.
-Florelyn A. Caniete, Business Counselor