By Matt Jireh S. Tumlos

A hands-on demonstration during the Dishwashing Liquid-Making Training conducted by the CPU-CAS Chemistry Department for Brgy. Tabuc Suba.

The College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Chemistry, through the Association of Chemistry Students of CPU (ACS-CPU), conducted the “CHEMpowering Hands: A Dishwashing Liquid-Making Training” in Brgy. Tabuc Suba, Jaro, Iloilo City on December 6, 2024.

The training aimed to teach participants, primarily senior citizens, how to make dishwashing liquid using commercially available ingredients and address the community’s need for sustainable income opportunities.

“As senior citizens in Brgy. Tabuc Suba, we request to be taught a livelihood program to help us earn income for food and medication,” said Lita Madrid, a resident of Brgy. Tabuc Suba.

The program covered the chemical properties of the ingredients in layman’s terms, provided a step-by-step demonstration of the production process, and explained post-production handling to 20 attendees.

“The ingredients and procedure we used in making the dishwashing liquid are similar to what is done commercially. It’s important to pay attention to the measurements and techniques to make sure the product works well. You can create a high-quality dishwashing liquid at home with the right steps,” said Allysa Marie D. Garcia, a 4th Year BS Chemistry student.

The department donated buckets, basins, funnels, and spatulas to aid participants during the training.

“As a thank you gift from our organization for listening attentively and for your active participation in our short training on making a DIY dishwashing soap, we will give you these materials like the bucket that we made the soap in plus an extra pail, spatula, and a cover for the bucket. We would also like to give you a few standard empty bottles so you can start packaging. Salamat sa tanan,” said Michael John C. Banogon, a 3rd Year BS Chemistry student.

The session was supported by 12 student volunteers from the 3rd and 4th years of the BS Chemistry program, along with ACS-CPU Advisers Prof. Ann Marie P. Alguidano and Prof. Ma. Mercy A. Japitana, who assisted throughout the activity.

“It was a fulfilling experience that combined the collaboration of the community & ACS. The activity highlighted the practices of making a dishwashing liquid with simple instructions that anyone can make. Overall, it was a meaningful opportunity to teach them how to make a dishwashing liquid, which allows them to use it or sell it for business,” said Chris Ian John E. Hechanova, a 4th Year BS Chemistry student.

The department plans to improve the program by introducing new product formulations using locally available resources and collaborating with other organizations to incorporate financial literacy training.