DOST conducted livelihood training for ASEMCO

This photo was taken during the Closing Ceremony of training

DOST through its Biliran Provincial Science and Technology Center recently conducted a livelihood training on Meat and Fish Processing Technology for the employees, members and valued clients of Almeria Seafarers Multipurpose Cooperative (ASEMCO). The three-day activity was held on November 9-11, 2015 at ASEMCO Compound, Del Bano St., Poblacion, Almeria, Biliran. The training was aimed to enhance the skills of the participants in meat and fish processing and to introduce another possible source of income for small entrepreneurs.

ASEMCO, aside from being a lending institution, is one of the active beneficiaries of DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) for their meat processing project. It is their second time to avail of SETUP after successfully completing a charcoal briquetting project in 2014. Last April 2015, they received a financial assistance in the amount of Php 370,000.00 for the acquisition of additional meat processing equipment for the project “Upgrading of Meat Processing Facility”.

The livelihood training covered six different topics which include Tocino Processing, Beef Tapa Processing, Fresh Native Longanisa Processing, Skinless Longanisa Processing, Deboned Bangus and Rellenong Bangus. Expert from DOST-Leyte in the person of Ms. Imelda S. Picorro, served as the resource speaker of the event who demonstrated the safe and proper way of meat and fish processing. The training started with a lecture discussing about the recipes and ingredients, techniques, and the dos and don’ts in the production. Then it was followed by hands-on-demonstration with the use of the equipment acquired through DOST-SETUP fund. 

Meat Preparation and Curing

Packaging of  Product Samples

ASEMCO, spearheaded by its General Manager Ms Anita S. Corto, enthusiastically showed their cooperation as partner with DOST in facilitating the three-day activity. They cater venue for functions and meetings in which Hostel and Function Hall is among the many allied services provided by the cooperative.

The activity ended with a message from the OIC of DOST-Biliran, Engr. Maria Catherine G. Maniba, who thanked everyone for spending their valuable time and for extending their full support and participation during the training. She also shared a glimpse of information regarding the programs and services offered by DOST and invited the participants to visit the DOST-Biliran office if they like to know more about the agency and its services. 

The acquisition of equipment and training is part of the implementation of SETUP project in line with the intention of ASEMCO to expand its existing Meat shop.  (Written by Ms. Gracevillalyn R. Saldo, PA-II, DOST-PSTC Biliran)

Sample Finished Products
(Left: Skinless Longanisa, Right: Beef Tapa)