PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – To reinforce their meager income, participants of the Training on Meat Processing and Food Safety Awareness composed of twenty-four farmers and agricultural extension workers in this province were gratified after learning how to prepare Vigan sausage, Hungarian sausage, Jalapeño sausage and Chicken Cordon Bleu.

“They were excited, happy and interested about meat processing. Through this training, it made them realized that it is a business, an additional income for their family,” remarked Florita G. Lozada, Project Officer of the said training.

The three-day training took place at the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Agusan del Sur last September 19-21, 2018. The participants were able to understand and apply the principles of meat hygiene and sanitation, learned the basic concepts and processes involved in meat processing, demonstrated the skills involved in meat processing and knew the importance of food safety. To further their learnings, there was a hands-on demonstration where they were provided ingredients plus complete set of apron, mask, hairnet, gloves and towels for free.

"All I can say is that the training was very impressive and amazing. Our training management team were very humble, approachable, and very enthusiastic to impart their knowledge about the techniques in meat processing. To my co-participants, this will not be our last meeting. Let’s continue working together in our effort to change our lives for the better," expressed Elizabeth S. Marron, one of the training participants who gave her impression during the closing program.

Minda Manliguez and Jovert Gimoto, both Livestock Inspectors from PVO Agusan del Sur, acted as resource speakers.