The Isabela State University-Cauayan City Campus (ISU-CCC) strengthened Campus Extension and Training Department (CETD) through Project Kankanen “Native Rice Delicacy Producers’ and Vendors’ Enhancement Program and Business Growth” in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Cabatuan at the Municipal Training Center, Cabatuan, August 9.

Enhancing the collaboration, empowerment, and improvement of food standards among local entrepreneurs, Cabatuan Mayor Bernard Garcia Jr. and ISU-CCC Executive Officer Dr. Precila Delima led the assessment session, signing of a memorandum of agreement, and launching of the project.

Garcia acknowledged the importance of having this program, which is Kankanen, that will help them to foster their festival and maximize the support of vendors, not only in financial matters but also on the basic equipment that they need.

“We have to support the Kankanen business here in Cabatuan. So, on behalf of Cabatuan, and as Mayor of Cabatuan, I am very thankful to everyone here who has given this additional knowledge to our Kankanen vendors para naman mas ma-improve at mas dumami ang mga business,” he said.

Delima emphasized that ISU’s mission is not only focused on one town, rather the mission of the whole system is to extend the support and assistance to all the municipalities in the entire province of Isabela.

“This is not the only beginning of our collaboration. Napakarami pa pong kolehiyo na maaaring mag-assist ng mga kailangan ninyo when it comes to information technology, web design, and etc…” she added.

Dr. Mildred Matulin initiated Project Kankanen together with Dr. Nancy De Leon, Director of CETD; Ruby Elumbra, Kristin Callang, Dr. Karla Maramag, and Lanny Ordonez.

“The brainchild of project Kankanen is, of course, not a single idea of mine. So sabi nga, if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” Matulin said.

30 vendors joined in this event along with Dr. Jehoana Mones, Dean of College of Business and Management and six staffers of CETD.

Meanwhile, after the signing of a memorandum of agreement, Elumbra, Callang, Matulin, Maramag, and Ordonez began the lectured on the following topics: Basic Food Safety for Handlers, Safe Use of Food Additives, Overview of Marketing, and Simple and Effective Customer Research.

Moreover, the next lecture session and various activities will be held again at the Municipal Training Center next Friday, August 16.

Article by Bry Gamido