23 Camarines Sur women complete DOST ‘rima’ sweets production training

By Danica Caballero

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Science and Technology in Bicol (DOST-5) on Monday said it was able to provide training on making "rimas" or breadfruit food products to members of the Samahan ng mga Kababaihang Mangingisda ng Pinitan (SKMP) in Barangay Pinitan, Siruma, Camarines Sur.

Jointly organized by the Provincial Science and Technology Office, the Rotary Club of Naga Caceres and JCI Naga Cariñosa, the activity aimed to educate, train and improve the lives of the beneficiaries by providing an alternative livelihood using the "rimas" fruit.

The DOST-5 said rimas is a neglected fruit that is usually mixed with feed for backyard pigs to consume or is just left to decay on its tree.

At least 23 members of the Samahan ng mga Kababaihang Mangingisda ng Pinitan (SKMP) in Siruma, Camarines Sur benefitted from DOST-5’s training on making ‘rimas’ or breadfruit food products. (Photo courtesy of DOST-5)

At least 23 women attended the two-day training where they were mentored in making rimas chips, rimas molido, and rimas pastillas. They were taught on the importance of good manufacturing practices and food safety.

Rocelyn M. Imperial, a food science expert from Central Bicol State University acted as the resource speaker and guided the trainees in rimas and bread fruit processing and made the SKMP members capacitate with technology on rimas-based food products.

The organization also hope that the products will be part of the patronized "pasalubongs" in the municipality as the plant is endemic in the area and Siruma is known as a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches.

The training was part of the DOST-5's Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program through PSTO Camarines Sur, in which Siruma is enrolled as a 4th-class municipality. (PIA5/Edlyn L. Buara, Bicol University intern contributed to this report)