PhilRootcrops, VSU-RAISE 8 ATBI train Bohol cooperative on agribusiness
The Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) of Visayas State University (VSU) extended technical support to a three-day capacity-building program for the PNB-KGB Multipurpose Cooperative on August 25 to 27, 2026, at the cooperative’s facility in Carmen, Bohol.
The activity aimed to build up the skills of farmers, local processors, and potential buyers and markets of cassava grates and flour in production practices, food safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), processing, and enterprise management. It forms part of continuing capacity-building efforts that support PNB-KGB Multipurpose Cooperative’s growth as a RAISE 8 ATBI incubatee.
The program was organized by VSU-RAISE 8 ATBI (Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement 8 Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator) through Project Technical Assistant III Ms. Analine Legua, in collaboration with PhilRootcrops and PNB-KGB Multipurpose Cooperative. RAISE 7 ATBI of Bohol Island State University (BISU)-Bilar Campus served as partner in the sessions on market scoping, pricing, and costing, with Project Staff Ms. Jes Maries M. Mendez co-leading the activity.
PNB-KGB Multipurpose Cooperative Chairman Mr. Salvador P. Rosales Jr. delivered the welcome remarks at the opening of the Training on Root Crops, Food Safety and GMP, and Processing of Cassava Products.
PhilRootcrops Food Technologist Ms. Mary Rose Maniego lectured on the health benefits and nutritional value of root crops as well as on food safety and GMP, while Science Research Aide Mr. Ricardo Jarofe Maranguit discussed cultural management practices for cassava and other root crops. Ms. Maniego, together with Science Research Assistant Ms. Marife Suaybaguio, led participants through a hands-on demonstration on cassava food processing.
PhilRootcrops, VSU-RAISE 8 ATBI, RAISE 7 ATBI BISU-Bilar Campus, and PNB-KGB Multipurpose Cooperative also conducted a capacity-building activity on market scoping, pricing, and costing, with faculty from BISU-Bilar Campus serving as resource speakers. Ms. Marcelina S. Butlig and Ms. Michel S. Limbago discussed “Market Scoping: Identifying Opportunities and Understanding Market Potential,” providing participants with approaches to identifying viable markets and assessing market demand, while Ms. Daffodil S. Tampus-Lumantao presented “Pricing and Costing: Developing Competitive and Sustainable Pricing Strategies,” offering practical tools for establishing pricing structures that remain both competitive and sustainable.
The program likewise included a Training on Inventory Management and Hands-on Demonstration on Secondary Processing of Cassava and Other Root Crops. Ms. Maniego presented key principles of inventory management for processing facilities and led a hands-on demonstration on the secondary processing of cassava and other root crops, guiding participants through practical techniques for transforming raw materials into value-added products.
The training forms part of the continuing commitment of PhilRootcrops and its partner institutions to strengthen the technical capacities of local processors and to promote sustainable, efficient practices within root crop-based enterprises. It is expected to guide PNB-KGB Multipurpose Cooperative members toward more informed, sustainable, and competitive business decisions as the cooperative expands its cassava grates and flour enterprise.
