CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) — A total of 18 farmer-members of the Calabajuan Producers Cooperative benefitted from the soap and candle making training provided by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the City Government of Cabanatuan.
According to DTI Nueva Ecija Negosyo Center Provincial Office and SM City Cabanatuan business counselor Cheryl Tejada, the activity aims to help start-up cooperatives develop new products aside from carabao milk and calamansi in order to generate additional income.
“The participants did not spend anything on the training because it was given free,” Tejada said.
The City Livelihood and Cooperatives Development Office (CLCDO) shouldered the materials used in the skills training, as well as the training fee and food for the participants.
Lovely Aiko Salvador, owner of Blake & Bjorn Skincare Products, served as the trainer during the activity.
She provided the participants with equipment for making soap and candles worth approximately P5,500, such as a digital scale, stick blender, mixing bowls, thermometer, soap molder, rubber shoes, rubber gloves, safety goggles, spatula, and pitcher.
Meanwhile, the P1,500 worth of ingredients is enough to make 20-30 pieces of soap.
Cooperatives and entrepreneurs who wish to request free training may send a request letter to the DTI Provincial Office and inquire at the Negosyo Center hotline at 044-958-3983. (MJSC/CCN, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
