To create source of livelihood in the community, the Department of Agriculture Binalonan on July 12 conducted Training on Tupig Ballatinao Processing in Barangay Balangobong.
Spearheaded by Binalonan Municipal Agriculturist Ricardo Tabuac, the one-day training was proposed by Agricultural Technologist Freeshe Grace Estimada who has attended months earlier a seminar on Agricultural Officers of Community or Agri-DOC.
Tabuac recalled that the training had its first phase done few months ago- the seminar on the production of ballatinao , a black glutinous rice variety.
During the seminar, the farmers were asked to allocate a portion of their ricefields to be planted with ballatinao rice for steady supply of the said variety which is favorable in the production of tupig, an Ilocano delicacy, because of its distinct taste.
Former Pangasinan State University Prof. Leticia F. Silva, and a resident of Balangobong, provided the lecture and hands-on demonstration to the 30 male and female participants.
βAggaget tayo tapno dumakkel ti bulsa tayo,β Silva jokingly told the trainees who were mostly from Balangobong and 2 participants from Barangay Camangaan.
Teresita Dacpano, head of the municipal press and publication office, gave a short message in behalf of Mayor Ramon Guico Jr. and Councilor Jerry Aradanas, chairman of the Committee on Agriculture.
Alfredo Aradanas, Cleofe Martinez and Imelda Aradanas from the municipal agricultural office and some barangay officials assisted in the conduct of the training.