To improve the bangus processing in Talisay, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Calabarzon through the Provincial Science and Technology (PST) Center in Batangas gives a financial assistance of P300,000 to Sampaloc Auto Savings Association (SASA) in Talisay, Batangas.
SASA used the said amount in purchasing a freezer/chiller including a complete set of processing equipment for smoked bangus (milkfish) consisting of work tables, and smoke house and steamer, both with drying racks fashioned from food-grade stainless steel. PSTC-Batangas also facilitated the training of SASA staff on process standardization and waste utilization through the Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program of DOST-TAPI.
In addition to this, DOST through its Packaging R&D Center will help the cooperative to do some tests and analyses to verify the nutritional value and shelf-life of their products. A new label and packaging design for SASA will also be conceptualized and developed.
With DOST’s full support, the cooperative is expected to develop the quality of their processed bangus such as fresh deboned bangus, marinated deboned bangus, and smoked deboned bangus that will surely improve the income of their members. [via pia.gov.ph]