Empowered women, empowered communities!
With determination in their hearts and aprons tied with pride, the women of Barangay Poblacion, Danao City, gathered at Cebu Technological University (CTU)-Danao Campus for K.U.S.I.N.A (Knowledge Upgrade and Skills Improvement for New Aspirations) sa Kababaehang Danawanon, a hands-on training program designed to equip them with valuable food processing skills in a bid to promote livelihood opportunities. The event was held on March 14, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at CTU-Danao’s production area.
The project was led by Dr. Jacqueline R. Dela Cruz in collaboration with the CTU-Danao Extension Office, Danao City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLEd) students. More than just skills training, this initiative aimed to empower women with practical knowledge that could open doors for entrepreneurship. By gaining hands-on experience in food processing, the female participants not only learned how to create high-quality products but also discovered the potential to turn these skills into small businesses and generate additional income for their families.
With the guidance of the training experts, Dr. Gladies Mae C. Olivar and Mr. Jenler Tamundoc, the participants immersed themselves in the step-by-step process of making pork siomai, pork tocino, embutido, and pork longaniza—beloved Filipino food products with high market demand and strong business potential. They mastered essential techniques such as proper meat preparation, marination, seasoning, and curing to ensure the best flavor, texture, and shelf life of the products.
Participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting how the training has opened new doors for them. “Wala gyud ko magdahom nga makahimo ko ani nga products (I never thought I could make these products myself),”shared one participant. “Karon, excited na kaayo ko mubaligya ug basin magsugod ko ug kaugalingong gamay nga negosyo (Now, I am excited to try selling them and maybe even start my own small business).”
As CTU-Danao and its partners continue to implement impactful extension programs like K.U.S.I.N.A sa Kababaehang Danawanon, they reaffirm their commitment to providing quality community services aimed at uplifting lives through education and skills development. Moving forward, the university seeks to expand its reach by developing and implementing more sustainable, skills-driven programs to drive meaningful change and promote sustainable development in the communities it serves.
– CTU-Danao’s Production and Extension Office
