USM Upskills Tulunan Women’s Group on Calamansi, Ginger Product Development

KABACAN, COTABATO- Experts from the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) trained 15 members of the Tulunan Unified Women’s Initiative for Development (TUWID) with practical knowledge and skills in processing calamansi and ginger on November 21, 2025 at the USM High Value Crops Processing Center (HVCPC).

The training, a joint effort between the USM-ESO and the Inter-Cultural Organization’s Network for Solidarity and Peace (ICON-SP), focused on transforming calamansi and ginger into marketable products such as concentrate, juice, and powder.

In her welcome remarks, Glyn B. Gabano-Magbanua, PhD, ESO Director, underscored the transformative role of the introduced technologies in improving the participants’ livelihoods, stating: “Alam naman po nating familiar na po ang karamihan sa inyo sa calamansi juice. Ang mga technologies na i-i-introduce sa inyo ng ating mga experts ay magiging malaking bagay para sa pag-unlad ng inyong mga kabuhayan.”
(“We know that most of you are already familiar with calamansi juice. The technologies our experts will introduce to you will be a significant factor in the development of your livelihoods.”)

The intensive one-day activity covered lecture sessions and practical demonstrations, featuring distinguished experts in calamansi and ginger processing.

Spearheaded by Prof. Harem Roca, the activity began with an orientation on the Standard Protocols for Product Quality Assurance at the USM HVCFPC. Prof. Roca then led a discussion on Ginger Powder Processing. This was followed by Prof. Sandra P. Imlan, who discussed the meticulous process of Calamansi Concentrate and Juice Processing. To solidify their learning, participants were tasked with developing their own ginger powder and calamansi concentrate under the guidance of Mr. Marlon Manansala and Ms. Vivien Imbang.

For participant Miss Nenita Rafael, the training serves as a catalyst for establishing a sustainable, group-focused livelihood, emphasizing collective benefit and expansion over mere individual gain.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa USM at ICON-SP dahil sa training na ito, mabibigyan kami ng oportunidad na magkaroon ng pangkabuhayan hindi lamang para sa pansarili naming interes kundi pati sa lumalaking grupo namin,” she expressed. (“I am grateful to USM and ICON-SP because this training will give us the opportunity to have a livelihood not only for our personal interests but also for our growing group.”)

The activity concluded successfully with the distribution of certificates. The culmination was marked by an inspiring and empowering message delivered by Miss Flor Llanto, ICON-SP Finance and Admin Officer.

“Sa pag-conduct ng training natin ngayong araw, umaasa kami sa ICON-SP at sa USM na mas mapapatibay pa natin ang samahan ng mga kababaihan sa TUWID at mas mabibigyan pa namin kayo ng mas marami pang makabuluhang mga trainings,” (“In conducting our training today, ICON-SP and USM hope that we can further strengthen the association/organization of women in TUWID and that we can give you even more meaningful trainings.”)

The training underscored the importance of technology transfer to provide economic opportunities among women. Through this initiative, USM not only equipped the TUWID members with valuable, marketable skills in product development but also solidified its commitment to community empowerment and sustainable livelihood creation in the region.