The DOST VIII through its Grants-in-Aid Program Empowers Mapanas Mushroom Growers in Northern Samar

The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. VIII through its GIA-Community-Based Livelihood Project provided a boost to the Mapanas Mushroom Growers Association (MMGA) of Mapanas, Northern Samar on its pursuit for sustainable oyster mushroom culture and production.

When the association members decided to venture on increasing production volume and developing new products so as to improve their socio-economic status, the farmers sought the technical assistance from the Department of Science and Technology - Northern Samar Provincial Science and Technology Center.

This led to the establishment of a community–based mushroom culture and production project in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Mapanas, Northern Samar as the project implementor. The association received financial assistance from the DOST for the provision of the appropriate mushroom culture and production equipment, supplies and materials. The DOST did not stop providing intervention for the said association as there were also provision of technical consultancy on food safety and the development of packaging and label design.

With a vision to provide locally grown, quality mushroom products, the MMGA was empowered through the provision of equipment, supplies and materials for mushroom culture and production that further increased the mushroom production capacity from 10 kilograms to 35 kilograms per week. With the additional volume of mushroom produced, the association now produces and offers processed products such as the crispy mushroom and the pickled mushroom. Most importantly, the S&T interventions led to local employment opportunities for both male and female farmer-members of MMGA.

The association takes part in the goal of the Local Government of Mapanas to attain food security. This DOST VIII-GIA assisted project has proven to be successful and effective through time, as a concrete source of nutritional needs, employment opportunity and sense of inspiration in the locality.