Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Tarlac conducted a skills training on Mung Bean Processing for Comillas Farmers Field School Agricultural Cooperative in the municipality of La Paz. This is part of the agency’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program which aims to introduce marketable products to agricultural cooperatives using crops they produce.

DTI Tarlac Trade Industry Development Specialist Paolo Manese said this provides an opportunity for the cooperative to venture into a new business with products they regularly produce.

“When the group reached out to DTI, we recognized their determination to manufacture items out of mung beans or monggo, which is one of their main crops.  We hope that this training will be an opportunity for them to start a new business model that would add value to their produce,” Manese added.

Resource Speaker Danilo Gacusan taught the process of making hopia, bread, turon, mochi, and buchi, using monggo as the main ingredient. 

He also tackled the importance of food safety in the production area to avoid the risk of foodborne diseases.

For its part, Negosyo Center La Paz discussed the basics of entrepreneurship such as the processes in registering a business, and knowing its target market among others.

DTI vowed to support the cooperative in developing their business and products to reach a wider market. (PIA 3)