A total of 24 members of the Braulio Dujali Rural Improvement Club (RIC) participated in the packaging and labeling seminar conducted by the Department of Science and Technology Region XI (DOST XI) last March 7 at the Municipality of Braulio E. Dujali, Davao del Norte.
Arnel M. Rodriguez, DOST XI Packaging Section Head, stressed the importance of packaging for protection, attraction, information and differentiation. He noted that packaging adds value to the product itself, by protecting and prolonging its shelf life and attracting customers.
Niño Don Carlo Carrillo, Project Technical Assistant, conducted the lecture on labeling by citing the Food Safety Act of 2012 or the RA 10611. He highlighted the importance of a unique brand name and legitimate Nutrition Facts and Halal Certification Marks.
To test the participants’ understanding, the seminar ended with an activity for an application of their learnings. Using paper cardboards and colored papers, four groups were challenged to make a sturdy and attractive packaging for four fresh eggs.
Maria Teresa Dalisay, one of the participants, shared that she was inspired and happy during the entire event, “Nalipay kaayo ko kay well-explained kaayo ang tanan. Mas sabtan kaayo sa yano nga mga tao ang maong pagpasabot. Salamat kaayo.” (I was very glad that everything was explained really well. It was easy for people to understand. Thank you very much.)
Ma. Fe Nacino, another participant, said “Ang lecture sa DOST karon dakog tabang sa amoa, nahibawan namo unsaon pag-package ug label sa mga product para ma-attract ang customers.” (The lecture of DOST has greatly helped us. We learned how to package and label products to attract customers.)
The training was one of the main activities during the founding anniversary of the municipality of Dujali. A workshop on meat-processing technology of tocino and chorizo and a product costing lecture were also held.
“Most of the RIC members are mothers. We are hoping that through these workshops, they can start a good livelihood,” said Gemma Caasi of the Provincial Administrator’s Office - Davao del Norte Investment and Promotion Center (PADO-DNPIC), one of the event’s organizers.
(Written by: Percival Cyber Vargas)