Holcim, LGU Lugait, and MSUN empower women in Lugait through a hands-on Bangus Processing Training

Written by Dante Quiao Suminguit

Mindanao State University at Naawan, in partnership with Holcim Philippines–Lugait Plant and the Local Government Unit of Lugait, successfully conducted a two-day Bangus Processing Training for 15 women from Barangay Poblacion, Lugait on November 6–7, 2025, at the MSU at Naawan Mini Fish Processing Facility. Implemented through the D.A.R.E.S. Center and the MSUN Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (ATBI), the initiative was designed to strengthen women’s participation in local agri-fishery enterprises by equipping them with practical skills, technical knowledge, and enterprise development competencies. The training covered essential topics such as Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices in food processing, post-harvest handling techniques for economically important fish species with a focus on bangus processing, and hands-on sessions that allowed participants to prepare, clean, and process bangus using appropriate methods. Additional sessions included packaging and labeling standards for market-ready products, basic marketing and distribution strategies for community enterprises, and fundamental cost computation principles to help participants evaluate profitability and sustainability.

The partnership underscored a strong multi-sectoral commitment to women’s empowerment and livelihood development. Holcim Philippines funded the entire training and expressed a strong interest in formalizing future collaborations with MSUN through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to support its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, signaling opportunities for long-term community engagement. LGU Lugait, through the Municipal Agriculture Office and the Barangay Council of Poblacion, played a vital role by mobilizing the participants and facilitating local coordination to ensure smooth implementation. MSU at Naawan hosted the training, providing technical experts, resource speakers, and facility support to enhance learning and ensure a hands-on, immersive training environment.

The program concluded with the awarding of certificates to resource speakers, facilitators, and institutional partners, followed by the distribution of Certificates of Training Completion to all 15 women participants. The activity not only strengthened local capabilities in food processing but also opened new pathways for women's economic empowerment in Lugait, building the foundation for sustainable community-based enterprises and future innovations under MSUN’s ATBI program.