The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has granted One Heart Homemakers Association with a labeling assistance on its homemade tablea products on May 6, 2022. 

One Heart Homemakers Association (OHHA) is a group of mothers in their late 20s and early 60s from Candanay Sur, Siquijor organized on Feb. 6, 2021 by the Siquijor Municipal Agriculturist Office (MAO) with the aim of making OHHA eligible as a beneficiary for a government project. 

Members of OHHA initially received from MAO Siquijor bags of fertilizers and packs of vegetable seedlings to start their backyard gardening in lieu of the “Food Always In The Home” (FAITH) program. 

Subsequently, OHHA was registered with the Department of Labor and Employment in June 2021.

OHHA then submitted a project proposal for its tablea production.

OHHA is producing around 152 packs (200 grams/pack) per month. 

It opts to be an ambulant vendor in selling its tablea products. Its tablea products are wrapped with an ordinary cellophane and without any information. 

“OHHA’s request for labeling assistance is relevant as I am also coordinating with the DOST Provincial Director of Bohol, Vina Antopino, who is a trained and expert cholatier, to improve the quality of tablea products in Siquijor.  I know that the marketability of a product also hinges on its packaging and labeling," said Engr. Mario de la Peńa. 

Marivic Balolong, president of OHHA, said:  “I am thankful to DOST for designing a label for our tablea products. Finally, I could say that our packs of tablea have been newly dressed up.”

One Heart Homemade Tablea will be out in the market with a new label and with information ranging from what base ingredients are used, its weight, manufacturer, place of manufacturing, contact number, and a space to indicate its expiry date. (PR)