‘Pancit Lopez,’ a noodle variant made of 20% ‘ubi tinalinting’ flour, was launched by the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Lopez, Quezon during the town’s 6th Pamaypayan Festival and 167th Founding Anniversary on April 26, 2023.
‘Ubi tinalinting,’ scientifically known as Dioscorea rotundata subsp. cayanensis, is an indigenous and underutilized crop in Quezon.
Ms. Annette M. Tobias, Unit Head of PCAARRD’s Gender and Development and Specials Projects Unit (GADSPU) represents DOST-PCAARRD in delivering a message of acceptance to the Municipality’s recognition of support. Image Credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD
The development of ubi tinalinting-derived products, including ‘Pancit Lopez,’ is a milestone under the project, “Development of an S&T-based Gender-responsive and Crisis-resilient Root and Tuber Crops Value Chain through a Participatory Market Chain Approach (PMCA).”
Led by Dr. Lorna E. Sister from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the project is funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
Through partnerships with the LGU and the Quezon Province Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the project has created an inclusive, gender-responsive, and public institutions-led value chain for ‘ubi tinalinting.’ Its products have already gained access to local markets and further product development is expected. The team hopes to replicate its success in Dauis, Bohol during the project’s new phase.
Representatives of PCAARRD and GAD-PMCA project team visit the tinalinting booth prepared by the members of the Lopez Federation of Rural Improvement Club (RIC), led by Ms. Minerva B Segui (seated in the middle). Image Credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD
During the launch, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Lopez, led by its Municipal Mayor, Hon. Rachel Ubana, expressed gratitude to DOST-PCAARRD for the Council’s strong support of the town's women and men farmers, noodle-and flour-processors, and livelihood groups. As a sign of the town’s appreciation, a plaque was awarded to the Council through Ms. Annette M. Tobias, Unit Head of DOST-PCAARRD's Gender and Development and Special Projects Unit (GADSPU). In her acceptance speech on behalf of DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora, Ms. Tobias highlighted that the Council has always supported developing technologies and innovation that positively impact the lives of women and men in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector. These efforts include the sustainable utilization of the indigenous root and tuber crop, ubi tinalinting, in Lopez, Quezon.
The members of the Lopez Federation of Rural Improvement Club (RIC) and core team in ‘Pancit Lopez’ production are hopeful for the future of their livelihood in ‘ubi tinalinting.’
Ms. Minerva B. Segui, President of the Federation, mentioned that they will continue with the ‘ubi tinalinting’ flour production. She added that its success in the following years will ensure a good future for them and the next generation.