In pursuit of its mission to advance community empowerment and sustainable livelihood, the B.U.S.I.N.E.S.S. IN THE Communities Project: Salimetmet conducted a Skills Training on Peanut-filled Patupat Making, Small-scale Business Opportunities, and Basic Financial Record Keeping on October 3, 2025, at Gawad Kalinga, San Sebastian, San Vicente, Ilocos Sur.
The day-long activity gathered local residents eager to learn new income-generating skills and enhance their entrepreneurial capabilities. Designed to equip participants with hands-on skills and basic financial literacy, the initiative encourages innovation in local delicacies while nurturing the development of sustainable, community-based enterprises.
Dr. Eileen Rose Paculan and Prof. May Evelia Ruadap, the project coordinators and initiators, emphasized that the training serves as a stepping stone for residents to transform traditional food practices into sustainable small businesses. They highlighted that the peanut-filled patupat, a creative twist on the classic Ilocano delicacy, offers promising potential in the local market.
Hands-on training on patupat making was led by Ms. Marilou Mejares, who guided participants through the process of preparing, filling, and packaging the delicacy. Meanwhile, Ms. Via Leal and Ms. Michelle Pacpaco shared insights on small-scale business opportunities, encouraging participants to turn their skills into profitable ventures. To complement the entrepreneurial training, Mr. Engelbert Casimiro and Mr. Rojay De Jesus discussed basic financial record keeping, emphasizing the importance of proper budgeting and documentation for business sustainability. The event was facilitated and documented by Ms. Romelyn Remular.
Through the Salimetmet project, the organizers reaffirm their commitment to foster empowerment, innovation, and entrepreneurship within local communities. True to the spirit of “salimetmet”—a term that reflects wisdom and industriousness deeply rooted in local culture—the initiative continues to inspire sustainable progress and self-reliance among its beneficiaries.
