Members of the Upper Buaya Farmers’ Organization (UBFO) and residents of Upper Buaya, Balbalan, Kalinga gained new skills in food processing and value addition through the Training on Root Crop Galiang “Bila” and Legume (Cowpea)-based Processing conducted on July 15–16, 2026.

The training was organized by the Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center (NPRCRTC) through the Office of Extension Services (OES). The activity was implemented under the SIPAT Program Phase II, funded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

The two-day activity introduced participants to practical techniques in transforming locally available Galiang (“Bila”) and legumes (cowpea) into value-added food products such as Galmarind (Galiang-Tamarind) Candy, Legume Paste and Butsi. Participants also learned the fundamentals of product costing, packaging and labeling to help them produce marketable products and generate additional income.

The program combined lectures, hands-on product demonstrations and participant return demonstrations, allowing the trainees to apply the skills they had learned. By the end of the training, the participants successfully prepared and packaged Galmarind candy and Butsi with legume paste.

The initiative forms part of Benguet State University’s continuing extension efforts to strengthen community capacities, promote value addition to local agricultural products and support sustainable livelihood and enterprise development in partner communities.