BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
QUEZON, Nueva Vizcaya (May 11, 2024)—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in this province in partnership with FCF Minerals Corporation, empowered 10 members of the Golden Malilibeg Livelihood Association, Inc. (GMLAI) by conducting a technical consultancy activity on how to improve their existing process on the production of ginger candies on May 3, 2024.
Rodalyn Arcebal, FCF IEC supervisor, said the activity under their Social Development and Management Program is part of Project GOLD (Generating Opportunities for Livelihood Development).
Arcebal noted that in addition to assisting community-based organizations, Project GOLD which was initiated last year aimed at creating a self-sustaining economy to guarantee the community’s independence, particularly beyond the mine life.
Imparting three formulations for ginger candy, senior trade-industry development specialist Ragel Tacazon of DTI Region 2 served as the resource speaker and trainer for the activity and equipped participants with the skills to diversify their product offerings and elevate their production methods.
During the activity, Chief Trade-Industry Development Specialist Lenore Lee Lopez of DTI Nueva Vizcaya also emphasized the importance of sustained commitment alongside the excitement for the improved ginger candy.
Lopez also highlighted the continued support of DTI and FCF Minerals for GMLAI through Project GOLD initiatives throughout the year.
Meanwhile, FCF Minerals Corporation, through Barangay Runruno will be funding the construction of a dedicated production area for the members of the GMLAI association.
FCF said this facility will allow GMLAI to streamline its operations and potentially increase production capacity.