Officers and employees of RMM Food Products and 3 cacao investors were the participants to the Technology Training on Cacao and Guyabano Processing and Seminar on Food Safety, Good Manufacturing Practices, Packaging and Labelling conducted by the Department of Science and Technology XII on March 18, 2021 at RMM Food Products, Mambucal, Koronadal City.

With the leadership of DOST XII Regional Director, Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, CESE through Director Engr. Mahdali R. Alonto of the DOST XII PSTO South Cotabato, the technology training was conducted and extended technical assistance for Cacao and Guyabano Food Processors.

DOST XII’s Training Expert, Ms. Sapai S. Uka, SRS II lectured on Guyabano and Cacao-based Technologies and Good Manufacturing Practices and demonstrated the step-by-step food processing of Guyabano and Cacao. Packs of Tablea, bottles of Guyabano Juice and Concentrates, and Guyabano Puree were produced during the manufacturing training.

Meanwhile, Ms. Ainee D. Gamor, the Packaging and Labelling Coordinator of DOST XII discussed the packaging technology solutions to transform locally-produced goods into competitive products and introduced the laboratory testing and analysis services that can be availed by the entrepreneur for quality assurance of their products.

RMM technology needs and queries were addressed by the lecturers and DOST Staff during the forum. Mr. Rodrigo A. Moreno, RMM Food Products’ owner is a benefactor of Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) of DOST XII.

This training enabled and introduced new technological interventions to the guyabano and cacao farmers in Koronadal City and have opened livelihood opportunities for the participants.