BILIRAN (PIA) -- A joint team from the Department of Science and Technology - Biliran (DOST Biliran) and Biliran Province State University - Biliran Campus (BIPSU-Bilcam) conducted a one-day training on making candy using desiccated  ginger pulps to 15 members of the Lower San Agustin Women’s Association (LOWASA) on March 16.

The activity was organized by DOST 8 - Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) headed by Dr. Romeo L. Dignos and Juliet Aguirre, PSTC training coordinator.

Trainers from BiPSU-BilCam were headed by Dr. Vilma Gayrama, turmeric and ginger project coordinator and extension service director.

Traditionally, the ginger pulp, “sepal,” which is a by-product in ginger tea or instant salabat powder production, is just thrown away as waste.

Gloria Salsalejo, LOWASA leader, persistently rallied the women, who are mostly jobless housewives, to participate in the endeavor which is expected to provide them livelihood and additional income.

The training also served as one of the highlights in empowering women as key partners in development during the month-long observance of March as National Women’s Month.

Among the subjects extensively discussed in the day-long training was basic inputs on food processing, and basic sanitation and hygiene in food preparation.

An actual demonstration on candy-making processing added a practical learning experience to the 15 participants.

Currently, LOWASA produces ginger and turmeric powders, and this is marketed in the municipality of Caibiran, with buyers coming from within and outside the Province of Biliran. (MMP/RSV/DOST-Biliran PSTC)