By Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr.

Selected members of the Asosasyon ng Pantawid Pamilyang Mananahi (APPM) trained by resident expert in home economics and culinary arts, Dr. Myrna T. Luceño.

Last March 15, 2025, selected women members of the Asosasyon ng Pantawid Pamilyang Mananahi (APPM) received alternative livelihood training from Dr. Myrna T. Luceño, a faculty member and outreach coordinator of the College of Hospitality Management. They were taught how to prepare and make nutritious vegetable dishes, puto cheese, and chili sauce.

This training is one of the activities included in the Women and Development Program, aside from seminars on the duties and responsibilities of parents, women-based programs and services from the government, mental health, and financial literacy.

The majority of the participants originated from adopted barangays, such as Brgy. San Isidro and Brgy. Tabuc Suba in Jaro, where, according to the community needs assessment, unemployment and lack of economic and livelihood opportunities were discovered, which are some of the challenges women face. Aside from the adoptees, other women from nearby barangays can participate in alternative livelihood training.

This training given to them is part of the Women’s Month celebration this March. Further, they are also being taught basic food safety during the training. After the training, some women sell the products near their community.

Indeed, Central Philippine University is committed to formulating a program related to resource utilization, technology transfer, and social welfare—based on the university-structured community development initiative, Program ERNEST.