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From tomato sauce to catsup and chips, here comes tomato soap

LAMUT, Ifugao (PIA) -- AMUT, Ifugao (PIA) -- The Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI) of the Ifugao State University (IFSU) has recently started teaching local entrepreneurs how to make soap out of tomatoes and calamansi.


The end product, called Cala-matis Anti-Bacterial Soap, took advantage of the abundance of calamansi and kamatis (tomatoes) in Ifugao.


According to Dr. Lorna Ildefonso, the researcher who concocted the latest organic product, the Cala-matis bath soap is an antibacterial soap that effectively fights active bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, that are present in the body.


The calamansi and tomato extracts act as natural skin-bleaching agents, addressing dark spots or skin discoloration. The tomato extracts contribute to a rosy hue on the cheeks and fair glow on the body.

Participants learn how to make cala-matis anti-bacterial soap in a training conducted by the Ifugao State University . (Photo Courtesy: IFSU)
Calamatis bath soap is an antibacterial soap processed from tomatoes and calamansi. Photo Courtesy: IFSU

 Ildefonso said her study has proven the effectiveness and safety of processing fruits such as tomato, calamansi, and cucumber.  With a few ingredients, the fruit-based organic products are on par with commercially-available beauty soap brands. Ildefonso presented the ingredients and demonstrated the processing of tomato and calamansi into soaps.


The trainees were then made to demonstrate their new-found skills through a return demonstration in which they successfully produced 68 pieces of the “cala-matis” antibacterial bath soap. 


ATBI project development officer Norma Appoy said the training aims to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills for calamatis-based processing, addressing issues such as food security, waste reduction, and sustainable practices. It also seeks to empower participants to become trainers in their community.


The participants expressed gratitude to IFSU  for the training, highlighting that it introduced new ideas for consideration in their business ventures, and which also helps farmers with the marketing  of their products. 


Elvira Matabye, one of the participants, said  making cala-matis soap is easy, and she plans to venture into this business soon. (JDP/FBR- PIA CAR, Ifugao)

Dr. Lorna Ildefonso, the researcher of calamatis soap, presents the necessary ingredients and demonstrates the safe processing of tomato and calamansi-based soaps. Photo Courtesy: IFSU
The calamatis soap training participants with their trainer, Dr. Lorna Ildefonso at the Ifugao State University. (Photo Courtesy: IFSU)

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Jamie Joie Malingan

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