CITY OF MALOLOS – To preserve one of Bulacan’s most iconic products, the Provincial Government of Bulacan through the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office supported yesterday’s launch of Project S.A.S.A. (Strengthening Amplification and Support for Authentic Sukang Paombong) spearheaded by fourth year Broadcasting students from Bulacan State University at the Bubog na Munti Covered Court in Brgy. San Isidro II, Paombong.
Upon the directive of Governor Daniel R. Fernando, PCEDO Head Atty. Jayric L. Amil promised to help in the development and promotion of the locally produced vinegar of Paombong.
“Ibinilin po sa amin ni Gob. Daniel R. Fernando, kasama po ang mga heads ng PHACTO at Provincial Agriculture Office na mas palakasin po at mas buhayin ang industriyang ito. Kami po sa PCEDO ay nakahandang tumulong sa inyo sa pamamagitan po ng product development, o kung gusto n’yo pong magpagawa ng label, mga training, at mga financial assistance. Kaya huwag po kayo mahiyang lumapit sa amin sa PCEDO, nakahanda po kaming tumulong,” Atty. Amil said.
Project S.A.S.A. is a community-based initiative that aims to promote and preserve authentic Sukang Paombong; while highlighting the stories and contributions of local sasa farmers whose livelihood depends on the traditional production of nipa palm sap used to create the well-known local vinegar.
According to Zharimaine Espino, the Project Manager of Project S.A.S.A., the project was conceptualized after recognizing the need to amplify the voices and struggles of local producers who continue to uphold the tradition of making authentic Sukang Paombong.
The activity also seeks to support the formalization of the Sasahan Association, an important step toward strengthening the organization of local producers and ensuring the sustainability of the industry that has long been part of Paombong’s cultural and economic identity.
“Inaasahan po namin sa pagkakaroon ng samahang ito na magkaroon po ang mga magtutuba ng access sa direct market. At the same time po, sa pagkakaroon ng association ay mapapatatag po natin ‘yung promotion ng produkto, hindi lamang po ang Sukang Paombong kundi pati ang local producers nito, ang mga nagsasasa, nagtutuba, at mga nagsusuka,” Espino said.
Through Project S.A.S.A., student organizers aim to foster a deeper appreciation for authentic Sukang Paombong while empowering local producers to sustain a generations-old tradition. (UnliNews Online)
