Oyster mushroom spurs livelihood development in Pasuquin

Written by Administrator on 02 June 2022

By Kimberly S. Miguel and Mercy R. Gano


The Mariano Marcos State University-Extension Directorate conducted a two-day Enterprise Development Training on Oyster Mushroom Production and Processing for Households on May 30-31. This is in response to the request of farmer-graduates of the School-on-the-Air (SOA) from San Juan, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte  to undergo enhancement training on oyster mushroom production. 

The training was conducted at the Ilocos Norte Agricultural College (INAC) with 37 participants composed of members of the San Juan ICAS Maumel Farmers’ Association of Pasuquin and some faculty and staff of INAC. 

Topics discussed during the training include mushroom production and processing.  The production aspect were discussed by Mr. Lew Vergel Ilaga and Mr. Ruque Mangoma, both from the Technology Demonstration Section of the Extension Directorate.  (More information available at: https://bit.ly/3zocj1l). 

Prof. Fairy Anne Domingo and Prof. Judelyn Mandac of the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) discussed and demonstrated the preparation of oyster mushroom pickles and chips.  In their lecture, they reiterated the importance of good manufacturing practices and food safety to ensure the health and safety of those who will be consuming the product. Dr. Errol John Valdez of the College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (CBEA) presented to the participants the cost of production and income generated in mushroom production and processing.  This is to ensure that mushroom production in the locality is feasible.  (More information available at: https://bit.ly/3mvm721).

“We at MMSU hope that in the coming days, we will be able to see enterprises that will be started here in Pasuquin providing a sustained source of livelihood for those who will be starting,” Extension Director, Dr. Marilou Lucas, shared.

INAC school principal, Mr. Almer Anatolio Ratuita expressed his support to the conduct of the activity. “INAC will always be here to support MMSU,” he said. He expressed his hopes that INAC will be establishing a market outlet for various agri-products produced by farmers in Pasuquin especially those covered by INAC. He encouraged the trainees to join the team once established. 

It can be recalled that Mr. Jonathan Aguada and wife, attended a training on oyster mushroom production at MMSU in 2020.  Later, they started producing oyster mushroom sold in their locality.  At present, they are now processing empanada using oyster mushroom as one of the main ingredients.   

The Extension Directorate continues to promote oyster mushroom production because of its benefits as alternative meat for the family and as livelihood for additional source of income with its various food preparations – as addition to viand, as chips, pickles, special ingredient to empanada and shanghai among others, and many more.#

Photo credits to: Ms. Mercy R. Gano 

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