Isaub, Aborlan (Palawan) – January 28, 2025.
A new flavor of empowerment is cooking in Barangay Isaub. The women of the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) have stepped into the world of meat processing through a bold and exciting initiative: “Oh My Meat – Hayop sa Sarap!” extension program.

Supported by Western Philippines University (WPU) through the AgriBusiness Department’s Resource-Based Enterprise Development (RED) program and the Food Processing Center’s FRIENDS initiative (Food Research & Innovation for Extension, Nutrition, Development & Sustainability), the women of RIC Isaub received hands-on training in:

• Hygienic meat handling and processing
• Safe and efficient operation of meat-processing machines
• Practical costing and packaging know-how

“We wanted them to not just learn recipes, but to understand the business side of food processing,” says the WPU team.

A key boost came from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which provided equipment and start-up assistance. These tools mean the women can now produce fresh, locallymade processed meat products with no salitre at a quality that competes with store-bought brands.

This project champions women’s economic participation and creates an avenue for Isaub’s community to thrive together. Soon, residents can look forward to affordable, safe, and highquality meat products right from their own barangay.

More than Just Meat
For the women of RIC Isaub, every batch of Torino is a step toward financial stability, every packed kilo of longganisa is proof of their new skills, and every sale is a seed for community growth.

This is more than training, it’s a pathway to micro-enterprise development, food safety awareness, and sustainable local livelihoods.

[This article is in line with the SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 12, 15 & 17]

Contributed by Rhoijean Viodor