Department of Agriculture Regional Office I in partnership with the local government unit of Villasis through the Municipal Agriculture Office conducted a two-day training and seminar on “Cassava Processing and Utilization” on August 24 and 25, 2017 at Villasis Livelihood Training Center.

The training and seminar was provided and facilitated by the Department of Agriculture Regional Office headed by the Regional Corn banner Program Focal Person, Ms. Emily Lucero. Ms. Anne Luvelle Zabala is the facilitator, and Ms. Evelyn Fabello and Ms. Filomena Bugawan are the demonstrators.

The cassava processing and utilization is under the Corn Banner Program of the DA Regional Office which is focused on livelihood and entrepreneurship training aiming to support and provide training to registered organizations.

There were 36 participants consist of different TLE and Home Economics Teachers and Ladies Brigade of Villasis (LAB) Members. During the two-day seminar, the participants were given handouts and brochures on making different cassava menu and hands-on training.

During the closing program, Former Mayor Dita Abrenica attended and gave words of encouragements to the participants saying, “Importante ang commitment and let’s make a business out of it. Mas magandang kumikita tayo”.  The participants also shared their insights regarding the said training; Ms. Stephanie Pamintuan, Home Econimic Teacher from Villasis I Central School said “ For the two days, naging estudyante kami We thank you po for the patience. We will make sure na mai-aapply po naming ang aming natutunan”; Ms. Jovelyn Lirios, LAB Member also said “ Salamat kay Mayora na nabigyan kami ng ganitong training. Maraming salamat din po sa mga nag-assist at nagturo sa amin, sisikapin po naming mapakinabangan ang training na ito lalong lalo nap o sa business. Importante may knowledge na, later na lang yung budget”.

Also, the DA Regional Office awarded the kitchen utensils to the Ladies Brigade (LaB) of Villasis Inc. consisting of oven, gas stove, measuring cups, baking pans, etc. The baking starter kits will be under the custody of Mrs. Fe Callanta, VLTC Consultant. Other equipment like cassava pulvorizer, cassava grater and vacuum pack sealer will be given later.