by JLB Herrera
The Sugar Palm Research, Information, and Trade (SPRINT) Center was invited to the Province of Negros Oriental through its Non-Government Organization (NGO) partner St. Catherine Family Helper Project (FHP) Inc. to facilitate training on the Technology of Sugar Palm Production and Processing on November 23-25, 2023. The training was organized to equip the locals of Brgy. Baslay, Dauin, Negros Oriental with knowledge on sugar palm (kaong) production and processing technology.
The community, which is located in Mt. Talinis and possesses a Community-Based Forest Management Area, is endowed with an abundant sugar palm population.
The training proper included discussions on sugar palm-related topics. For. Junser P. Magpantay, director of SPRINT Center, introduced the environmental, economic, and livelihood potentials of sugar palm. He also discussed the initiatives of Cavite State University through the SPRINT Center in terms of research and development activities on sugar palm.
The techniques and processes of sugar palm tapping and sap harvesting were tackled by Mr. Jhon Laurence B. Herrera, administrative assistant of SPRINT Center. He also discussed the granulated kaong brown sugar and vinegar processing.
Topic discussions were followed by actual field demonstrations on sap tapping and harvesting and granulated kaong brown sugar processing. These were conducted and facilitated by Mr. Florencio C. Flores, a farm worker of SPRINT Center.
For. Junser Magpantay (in orange shirt) with some of the participants during the sugar palm (kaong) sap tapping and harvesting field demonstration.
SPRINT Center personnel (in orange shirts) and participants during the demonstration of granulated kaong brown sugar making
A total of 24 residents of Brgy. Baslay, Dauin, Negros Oriental who are also members of Baslay Highland Agriculture Cooperative (BASHACO) attended the training. The activity ended with closing remarks from Dr. Romario P. Ybañez, chairman of the board of trustees of St. Catherine FHP Inc., Mr. Albert P. Aquino, executive director of St. Catherine FHP. Inc., Mr. Ruel I. Perez, leader of BASHACO and For. Junser P. Magpantay, director of SPRINT Center. A certificate of completion was also awarded to the participants.
SPRINT Center personnel (in blue shirts) receives certificates of appreciation from St. Catherine FHP Inc. while the adopted community of St. Catherine FHP Inc. received certificates of completion from the center.
The CvSU-SPRINT Center and St. Catherine FHP inked a partnership to organize activities that aim to improve the standard of living of sugar palm stakeholders in Negros Oriental by maximizing the potential of sugar palm.