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  • ISPSC strengthens local balikutsa and sugarcane industries through partnership

    The Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College joined the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sta. Maria in the opening of Tourism Month through the signing of a Partnership Agreement and a series of capability-building lectures aimed at strengthening the local balikutsa and sugarcane-based products industry on September 1 at Barangay Maynganay Norte Covered Court, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur.

    The activity brought together ISPSC representatives, local government officials, community stakeholders, and local producers to promote collaboration, enterprise development, and livelihood opportunities through tourism.

    Among the officials who attended were ISPSC President Mario P. Obrero, Sta. Maria Mayor Michael S. Florendo, Vice Mayor Via D. Cabatu, Mr. Celestino Villalobos, representative of the Balikutsa Producers, Sangguniang Bayan Member Jose Marie Ancheta, Chairperson of the Committee on Tourism, and Mr.  Michael P. Escobar, Tourism Officer of the LGU of Sta. Maria.

    The signing of the Partnership Agreement among the ISPSC, LGU of Sta. Maria, Barangay Council of Maynganay Norte, and Balikutsa Producers, formalized commitment to work together in supporting local producers and strengthening the balikutsa and sugarcane-based products sector.

    Building on this shared commitment, the activity also provided local producers with the knowledge and skills needed to improve the safety and quality of their products through a series of lectures.

    Dr. Joanna T. Guarin, Dean of the ISPSC College of Business Management and Entrepreneurship, discussed “Good Manufacturing Practices for Food Safety, Hygiene and Sanitation for Balikutsa and Sugarcane-based Products Producers,” highlighting proper food handling, processing, hygiene, and sanitation practices to ensure the safety and quality of their products.

    Mr. Elmer Zamora Jr., Sanitary Inspector of ISPSC Sta. Maria, tackled “Regulatory Compliance and Business Benefits,” providing participants with insights into regulatory requirements and the benefits of compliance for local businesses.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Venus Guevara Ragon of ISPSC Sta. Maria discussed “Financial Management and Bookkeeping for Balikutsa Producers and Sugarcane Farmers Organization,” focusing on financial management practices, proper record-keeping, and the responsible management of organizational resources.

    The initiative forms part of ISPSC’s continuing engagement with local government and community stakeholders in advancing tourism, strengthening local enterprises, and supporting livelihood opportunities through knowledge-sharing and institutional partnerships.
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