The Department of Science and Technology VI (DOST VI) together with the DOST-Industrial Technology and Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) hosted a Training on the Production of Emergency Food Reserve (EFR) Products in the Peace and Development Community (PDC) Site in Brgy. Cabugao, Ibajay, Aklan.

This undertaking is in line with the project “Community Empowerment through Science and Technology in Conflict-Affected Areas (CEST-CAA) in Western Visayas” which is implemented by the Aklan State University – Ibajay Campus.

Moreover, this specific activity took place to equip the members of the Kapatiran para sa Progresong Panlipunan (KPP) with the necessary skills required for the production of EFR products in the barangay which encompasses testing of the EFR production equipment, Basic current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) Orientation, processing of SAGIP Nutri-flour (EFR), product application from EFR, and product costing, and financial analysis.

Heading the training were Dr. Lorelle Baracol, Supervising Science Research Specialist, and Mr. Charles Feb Q. Palla, Science Research Assistant of DOST-ITDI.

Nutritional and disaster relief operations are the primary functions of EFR as such products are made from root crops (cassava and camote) and vegetables (mongo and malunggay). EFR products come in powder form which can then be used to produce a variety of products such as choco bars, polvoron, vegetable burger patty, among others. (KJRGagajena/DOST VI-KMU)