The Green Jewel of Nazareth
The humble calamansi, the local lime variety, is a staple in Filipino cooking. It is used for dipping sauce (sawsawan) and for marinating meats. But for barangay Nazareth, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay, this bitter fruit is a life saver.
Barangay Nazareth is a coastal and agricultural village located seven kilometers east of Kabasalan town proper. It has 50 hectares of lowland and 371 hectares of upland areas, with 421 hectares devoted to agriculture comprising 96 percent of the village's total land area.
Thus, the establishment of a calamansi processing center is a virtual manna from heaven for Nazareth's farmers. Initiated via the Western Mindanao Community Initiatives Project (WMCIP), implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) with funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the processing plant benefits the village's farmers as well as 35 members of its organized Women's Association.
Located in Greefield ARC, Barangay Nazareth, the project cost P585,184 for the building, P248,000 for the equipment and an additional initial capital of P166,816 with a total of P1,000,000.00 form IFAD.
It was implemented in coordination with WMCIP partner-NGO Xavier Agricultural Extension Services (XAES) with assistance from line agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The processing center uses new technology being used by the local processing industry, which puts emphasis on sustainable subsistence and development
Less than a year after the processing center was established, the association earned P104,120 from the sale of calamansi concentrate. With the help DAR, WMCIP, DTI and DOST the association engaged in continuous product development and accreditation. The processing center greatly improved its productivity and product quality so much so that Nazareth's calamansi is now BFAD registered.
The calamansi processing center was identified via a business opportunities identification workshop conducted by WMCIP. The Nazareth women's association was organized to handle the business. Capacity building and training on production was conducted before actual construction began.
Since the establishment of the calamansi processing center, various efforts have been facilitated to sustain it. A calamansi growers association was established, not only to further the
Bottle products of Nazareth Womens' Association
interests of the Nazareth growers and processors, but to further strengthen the calamansi industry of the province.
The association has been in business for almost five years and is still growing strong. Inspired by their success, the women's group revitalized their enthusiasm to further strengthen their organization to be more capable of handling the enterprise.
The village's calamansi growers are also inspired since they now have a regular market for their produce. Overall, the project has changed the lives of the Nazarenes, making them an economically and socially stronger community.
Based on the positive impact of the project in Nazareth‚ calamansi was selected as a priority product for One Town One Product (OTOP) program of the government in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay.
"This will allow our products to be marketed in wider market and compete with other similar businesses." Emeteria R. Ricaforte, Chairwoman of Nazareth Women's Association.
