ST
develops Pinasugbo in edible wrapper
GUIMARAS, Iloilo — Pinasugbo is one
of the favorite local delicacies in Western Visayas. It is
made by cooking thinly sliced bananas (saba variety) in thickened
sugar syrup. It is very popular in the market and has established
a niche as a pasalubong item.
Pinasugbo comes in different forms, some are
cooked in white sugar syrup while others in washed and brown
sugar syrup. It is then sprinkled with sesame seeds and wrapped
with paper at the base.
Although sticky, people still enjoy eating
it, not minding the paper that is sometimes accidentally eaten
because it sticks in the pinasugbo and cannot be easily removed.
The Department of Science and Technology Region
VI (DOST VI) requested the DOST Packaging Research and Development
Center of the Industrial Development Institute (PRDC-ITDI)
to take the challenge of finding the right packaging for pinasugbo.
The PRDC-ITDI team headed by Daisy Tanafranca,
started developing the packaging in the cooperation with Marvi
Perez, owner of Rochemar’s delicacies in Guimaras who
is willing to implement the project.
Guimaras Provincial S&T Director Ma. Luz
Limbaga coordinated the activities related to the project
implementation together with other partner agencies such as
DTI and Guimaras LGU.
The project started last June 2007 and ended
just recently.
The team made several trials on different
packaging materials including edible wrapper made in Pampanga,
which was found to be the most appropriate and feasible solution.
The team likewise conducted a market test
for the new product in Manila and observed that it is very
saleable and people are asking where to buy them.
It was then that pinasugbo in edible wrapper
was considered ready for the market. In order to further improve
its packaging, the product is packed in plastic trays and
Oriented Polypropylene Plastic-Cast Polypropylene Plastic
(OPP-CPP).
The tray prevents the pinasugbo from breaking
into small pieces during handling and transport, while the
OPP-CPP will help maintain the freshness of the product for
a longer period of time.
The product was introduced in the Forum of
the DOST Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP)
in Guimaras during the celebration of the Manggahan Festival.
It was also available during the Manggahan exhibit at the
Robinson’s Mall and Agro-Trade Fair at the Capitol Grounds
in Guimaras.
For more information regarding DOST assistance
on packaging technology, the public may contact DOST Regional
Director Rowen R. Gelonga. (DOST VI/PN)
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