by AC Battung
The Sugar Palm Research, Information and Trade (SPRINT) Center, through its extension project - Improving and Revitalizing the Opportunities for Kaong Farmers (IROK) towards a Better Quality of Life, conducted a "Seminar on Sugar Palm Product Packaging and Labeling and Women Empowerment in the Sugar Palm Industry" on March 18, 2025 at the SPRINT Center Training Hall (Bulwagang IROK), Cavite State University, Don Severino de las Alas Campus, Indang, Cavite.
Asso. Prof. Arlene Llanto-Estrada shares her experiences growing up in a sugar palm-producing community.
A registered professional food technologist, Ms. Jan Edrea D. Cortes shares her knowledge and expertise on food product packaging and labeling.
Ms. Marites A. Espinelli from DOLE - -Cavite shares the livelihood opportunities offered by the agency.
The activity was participated by women and men sugar palm farmers, processors, and traders from Indang, Magallanes, and Alfonso, Cavite. They were welcomed by Asst. Prof. Karen Krista Escobar-Cajilis who represented Asst. Prof. Edgardo A. Gonzales, Officer-in-Charge of the SPRINT Center. She thanked the participants for the seminar specifically for the participation of women stakeholders.
Dr. Cristina M. Signo, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, read a message written by Dr. Ma. Agnes P. Nuestro, University President. She noted the role of the municipalities in Upland Cavite in the production and supply of sugar palm products in the country and added that the extension project greatly recognizes the diligence and dedication of women sugar palm farmers and processors. She also noted that such activities will contribute to the improvement of the participants' products.
The topic discussion started with a discussion on the "Magna Carta of Women and Empowerment of Women in the Sugar Palm Industry" by Asso. Prof. Arlene Llanto Estrada, Gender and Development (GAD) Coordinator of CvSU Trece Martires City Campus. She imparted valuable insights into the gender roles involved in sugar palm farming from conducted studies as well as from her experience growing up in the same industry. She also facilitated an interactive discussion on the Republic Act 9710 also known as the Magna Carta of Women, specifically its provisions on agriculture.
The next topic discussed was the "Packaging and Labeling of Sugar Palm Products" by Ms. Jan Edrea D. Cortes, PFT, Project IROK member. She explored the different types of packaging materials suitable for sugar palm products and the essential information needed to be included in product labeling. She also assessed the packaging materials of the products brought by the participants.
The seminar continued in the afternoon with a meeting that discussed concerns raised by the participants as well as the continued implementation of activities. A representative from the Department of Labor and Employment - Cavite, through Ms. Marites A. Espinelli, Livelihood Development Specialist, presented the livelihood opportunities provided by the agency.
Certificates of participation were also distributed after the meeting and the activity was ended through a closing message delivered by Asst. Prof. Cajilis.
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