CARMEN, Bohol – The Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) of Visayas State University (VSU) provided technical support to a three-day capacity-building program for the PNB-KGB Multipurpose Cooperative from August 25 to 27, 2026, at the cooperative’s facility in Carmen, Bohol.
The activity aimed to strengthen the skills of farmers, local processors, and potential buyers of cassava grates and flour in production practices, food safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), processing, and enterprise management. It is part of ongoing efforts to support the cooperative's growth as a RAISE 8 ATBI incubatee.
Hands-on demonstration of cassava processing facilitated by PhilRootcrops Food Technologist Ms. Mary Rose Maniego
The program was organized by VSU-RAISE 8 ATBI (Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement 8 Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator) through Project Technical Assistant III Ms. Analine Legua, in collaboration with PhilRootcrops and PNB-KGB Multipurpose Cooperative. RAISE 7 ATBI of Bohol Island State University (BISU)-Bilar Campus partnered in the sessions on market scoping, pricing, and costing, with its Project Staff Ms. Jes Maries M. Mendez co-leading the activity.
PNB-KGB Multipurpose Cooperative Chairman Mr. Salvador P. Rosales Jr. delivered the welcome remarks at the opening of the Training on Root Crops, Food Safety and GMP, and Processing of Cassava Products.
Left to right: Food Technologist Ms. Mary Rose Maniego presents the health benefits and nutritional value of root crops, and Science Research Aide Mr. Ricardo Jarofe Maranguit discusses cassava cultural management practices
PhilRootcrops Food Technologist Ms. Mary Rose Maniego lectured on the health benefits and nutritional value of root crops as well as on food safety and GMP, while Science Research Aide Mr. Ricardo Jarofe Maranguit discussed cultural management practices for cassava and other root crops. Ms. Maniego, together with Science Research Assistant Ms. Marife Suaybaguio, then led participants through a hands-on demonstration on cassava food processing.
Session on market scoping, pricing, and costing led by RAISE 7 ATBI of BISU-Bilar Campus
The partner institutions also conducted a session on market scoping, pricing, and costing, with BISU-Bilar Campus faculty serving as resource speakers. Ms. Marcelina S. Butlig and Ms. Michel S. Limbago discussed "Market Scoping: Identifying Opportunities and Understanding Market Potential," which introduced participants to approaches for identifying viable markets and assessing demand. Ms. Daffodil S. Tampus-Lumantao then presented "Pricing and Costing: Developing Competitive and Sustainable Pricing Strategies," which offered practical tools for setting prices that are both competitive and sustainable.
Hands-on training on processing cassava and other root crops
The program likewise included a Training on Inventory Management and Hands-on Demonstration on Secondary Processing of Cassava and Other Root Crops. Ms. Maniego presented key principles of inventory management for processing facilities and led the demonstration, guiding participants through practical techniques for turning raw materials into value-added products.
The training reflects the continuing commitment of PhilRootcrops and its partner institutions to strengthen the technical capacities of local processors and promote efficient, sustainable practices in root crop-based enterprises. It is expected to help PNB-KGB Multipurpose Cooperative members make more informed and competitive business decisions as the cooperative expands its cassava grates and flour enterprise.
This article aligns with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 13 – Climate Action, SDG 15 – Life on Land, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
