Members of the Malbog Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Buenavista, Marinduque started their business venture of adding arrowroot cookies to their product offerings by undergoing a Product Development Workshop in the Marinduque Arrowroot Processing Facility, Gasan, Marinduque, last February 15-17, 2023.

The said workshop was conducted to equip the proponent group in the operational process from harvesting arrowroot to processing of flour and cookies, in preparation for the high market demand in the peak season.

The Product Development Workshop was led by members of the Bahi Agricultural and Fisheries Association (BAFA), another PRDP-assisted arrowroot enterprise and recipient of the previously mentioned Marinduque Arrowroot Processing Facility. Manager Karen Sace and Chairman Wilfredo Nazareno headed the demonstration of the production, harvesting, and preparation of the arrowroot rhizomes. The pair also demonstrated arrowroot starch processing with the help of co-member Ceasar Mangol. On the other hand, BAFA members Ronilo Sapungan and Dinah Sapungan exhibited the process of baking arrowroot cookies.

Representatives from the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) were also present in the said event to show their support to both cooperatives. They encouraged the participants to further develop quality production of arrowroot products as the Marinduque government is keen on pushing for arrowroot to be the flagship product of the province as they re-open their doors to tourists this 2023. In this regard, PAO committed their continuous support in terms of market assistance and further enterprise development.

The Malbog Multi-Purpose Cooperative is the beneficiary of the Malbog Arrowroot Production and Processing subproject (SP). This SP was completed in March 2021 and has a total cost of PhP1.3 million. Initially, the SP was designed to focus on arrowroot production and starch processing. This links Malbog MPC as one of the starch suppliers of BAFA. However, due to the increase in market demand brought by the upcoming peak season and to help boost tourism in the province, Malbog MPC decided to venture into cookie production with the assistance of BAFA.

BAFA, on the other hand, is the beneficiary of the Marinduque Arrowroot Production and Processing subproject costing PhP8.4 million. BAFA is recognized by the Department of Trade and Industry as one of the leading arrowroot-based product producers in MIMAROPA. Currently, the organization regularly markets their products in trade fairs and exhibits in their municipality. (Danica A. Brutas, DA-PRDP MIMAROPA RPCO InfoACE Unit with reports from Cara M. Tomada of the I-REAP Component)

BAFA Chairman Wilfredo Nazareno lead the demonstration of the preparation of the arrowroot rhizomes. (Photo by Daisy Nazarrea, DA-PRDP MIMAROPA RPCO I-REAP Component)

Members of the Malbog Multi-Purpose Cooperative and participants of the Product Development Workshop in the Marinduque Arrowroot Processing Facility, Gasan, Marinduque, February 16. (Photo by Daisy Nazarrea, DA-PRDP MIMAROPA RPCO I-REAP Component)