A capacity building on S&T Yarn Production using Pineapple Fiber was conducted in CSU-Gonzaga on May 17, 2024 with the specialists from Apayao State College as trainers. This DOST-funded project aimed to equip Pineapple growers in Gonzaga, Sta. Ana and Sta. Teresita with knowledge on S&T pineapple production, care, management and processing of pineapple fiber.
To meet the goals of the training, experts from Apayao State College headed by Dr. Maria Christina Z. Manicad, the Director for Research and Development and Special Project, were invited to discuss with the participants relevant topics and led the hands-on activity.
Some of the topics tackled during the training were: Science and Technology-based Pineapple Production which was discussed by Prof. Marvin Baloloy, the MABRIC center Manager; Natural Plant Fiber Sources which was introduced by Dr. Manicad of ASC; and Financial Management, Marketing and export analysis of pineapple fiber which was also discussed by Dr. Froilan A. Pacris, Jr., CEO of CSU-Gonzaga.
Orientation and hands-on activity on pineapple leaf fiber processing, properties and applications were spearheaded by Mr. Jerico L. Jaravata and Mr. Orencio Calon, Jr., Research-based staff in ASC.
Further, Dr. Charisma Vivit, the Campus Extension coordinator and Project leader, gave the overview of the project. She reiterated the significant contribution that this initiative shall give to community folks.
After the training, some of the participants share their insights about the project. Mrs. Ofelia L. Sapallo, a business manager, shared how thankful she is for the invitation of CSU-Gonzaga. According to her, the project is very helpful to farmers of pineapple in capacitating them to utilize other parts of pineapple that are found to be of no use anymore.
Mrs. Claribel Gaspar, a retiree of CSUG and the chairperson of a cooperative in Calayan, shared her happiness to be back in CSU and to be an instrument in assisting farmers of pineapple in Gonzaga.
After the training, the Research, Development and Extension of the campus plans to forge partnership through MOA signing with Apayao State College and Pineapple growers in Gonzaga. The campus shall likewise embark in utilizing banana bract in yarn production.
Photos: Ms. Jean Torres, Extension staff