Twenty-eight (28) aspiring entrepreneurs in the municipality of Santo Tomas recently gained an upskilling session on food processing held during the town’s Linggo ng Kabataan celebration at Namboongan, Santo Tomas, La Union on August 25, 2024.

Equipping young entrepreneurs with practical food processing skills, Mr. Lar Cacanando, a faculty member from the Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLEd) program, guided the participants through the entire process of preparing pineapple jam, skinless longganisa, and chayote pickles.

Cacanando also provided the aspiring entrepreneurs knowledge on ingredient selection, packaging, and preservation. The training served as an avenue for the local community to learn new skills and introduce them to new livelihood opportunities.

The initiative was part of Project STITCH, an extension program of the BTLEd department in collaboration with the Santo Tomas local government unit. The project aims to empower communities through technical skills training and promote sustainable development. By equipping young people with practical food processing skills, Project STITCH hopes to inspire them to start their own businesses and contribute to the local economy. (by Renz E. Ferrera)