Antipolo City, Rizal — A total of 114 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from various barangays in Antipolo City successfully completed a comprehensive meat processing and food safety training conducted from May 6 to 12, 2026.
The initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Rizal, CARE Philippines through its HERS Program, DSWD 4Ps Rizal, TESDA Rizal, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Antipolo City through Barangay San Luis.
Designed to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities, the training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to establish small-scale food enterprises. The activity was conducted in two batches and primarily catered to exiting 4Ps beneficiaries from eleven barangays: Inarawan, Mambugan, Muntindilaw, San Isidro, Dela Paz, San Luis, Cupang, San Juan, Mayamot, San Roque, and Calawis.
During the two-day training sessions, participants were taught the step-by-step preparation of popular processed meat products, including tocino, siomai, and skinless longganisa.
The technical demonstrations and hands-on training were facilitated by TESDA Rizal community-based trainer Ms. Elvira A. Dalon, who shared valuable insights on meat processing techniques, ingredient functions, and proper equipment handling.
Beyond product preparation, the program strongly emphasized food safety and regulatory compliance. Ms. Niña Sherylle S. Giron and Ms. Duane Mariel S. Juarez of the DOST CALABARZON Food Safety Team led discussions on food safety and consumer protection, highlighting the importance of personal hygiene, proper food handling practices, and cross-contamination prevention to ensure products are safe for public consumption.
One participant shared a key takeaway from the training, saying, “Food should not only be delicious but also safe for its consumers.”
Representatives from partner agencies also encouraged beneficiaries to maximize their newly acquired skills as they transition from the DSWD 4Ps Program and pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Engr. Mhark Ellgine A. Libao, Officer-in-Charge Provincial Science and Technology Director of DOST PSTO Rizal, emphasized the strategic value of the training and encouraged participants to utilize their technical knowledge to generate alternative sources of income.
Meanwhile, Ms. Caselyn Briguera, Project Manager of the CARE Philippines-HERS Program, commended the participants for their commitment and perseverance throughout the training. Mr. Rene Ruiz, City Livelihood Officer of the same program, likewise praised the quality of the products produced by the participants.
Mr. RJ Bermudo of DSWD 4Ps Rizal challenged beneficiaries to maintain a mindset of continuous learning and to rely on credible technical sources as they begin their entrepreneurial journey.
Representing the local government, Mr. Cris Cate Jr., Barangay Administrator of Barangay San Luis, reaffirmed the barangay’s unwavering support for grassroots capability-building initiatives that empower local communities.
Through targeted technology transfer programs and strengthened food safety advocacy, DOST PSTO Rizal and its partner agencies remain committed to promoting inclusive economic growth and building resilient, self-sustaining communities throughout the province.
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