BAYAMBANG -- Squash, okra, and onion chips will soon be distributed in the market by One Food Corporation with the help of the technology of the Pangasinan State University- Department of Science and Technology Food Innovation Center (PSU-DOST FIC).
In a forum Tuesday, August 13, Mayor Cezar Quiambao said a factory of nutritious snacks and other products made from the town’s vegetables will rise in a 2,000-square-meter agricultural center of the town in Barangay Amancosiling Sur.
“We convinced the corporation to adopt the products of PSU-DOST FIC. From the many products, they will start with squash, onion and okra chips and tomato paste since these are abundant in our town. They will start next month to mass produce but they will use the facilities of PSU-DOST FIC,” he said.
The mayor said an intensive backyard gardening program was started in the town to be able to supply the needed vegetable raw materials of the company.
“We are urging all residents to plant. We have provided them seeds and seedlings to plant in order to meet the demand. This is a big help because farmers and residents will have a permanent market of their produce. And also it is a big help since we are adding value to the agricultural products and there will be more employment opportunity for the people here when the factory finally opens,” Quiambao said.
He added the products are intended for high-end and export markets.
Meanwhile, DOST provincial director Felicidad Gan said their office provided major equipment for the food innovation center and continuously support the analysis, nutritional facts, shelf life testing, and competitive packaging materials, among others. (PNA)