Pancit canton with squash technology extended to PHP Noodle Haus in Batangas

The Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute’s (DOST-FNRI) Pancit Canton with Squash Technology has been extended to PHP Noodle Haus on Batangas, a known producer of pancit canton and shing-a-ling for 11 years now.

The DOST-Batangas reported that a technology licensing agreement has been signed between DOST-FNRI and PHP Noodle Haus with DOST Calabarzon Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) Batangas as witness to formalize the technology transfer.

The DOST-FNRI technology was received by the PHP Noodle Haus, an association of marginalized women in Barangay Taliba, San Luis, Batangas, through a technology transfer training conducted via Zoom platform on Aug. 18.

It was Jaypy S. De Juan, senior science research specialist at the Business Development Unit under the Technology Transfer and Commercialization Section of DOST-FNRI, facilitated the training. While PSTC Batangas staff members Mhark Ellgine A. Libao and John Maico Hernandez, both science research specialists I, were present on-site to guide the members of the women’s association on how to produce the pancit canton with squash using the DOST-FNRI technology.

“More than unfolding the maximum potentials of PHP Noodle Haus as a community enterprise, DOST Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) - Batangas strives to make the association abreast with the latest technologies which can help improve their product line,” the DOST-Batangas said.

“Being known as a local producer of pancit canton and shing-a-ling for eleven years already, PHP Noodle Haus continuously spins off applications to enhance their product through in-house product development.”

It noted that in 2020, the women’s association was granted with its second DOST community-based project which sought the technology upgrade and process improvement of the PHP Noodle Haus.

The project, it said, “comprises the transfer of DOST-FNRI’s pancit canton with squash technology aimed at enhancing their current formulation and process, and the provision of appropriate equipment to address their production problems.”

The DOST-Batangas said the PNP Noodle Haus also complied with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Gap Analysis, Technology Needs Assessment (TNA), permits, and certifications among others before the actual technology transfer.

PSTC Batangas Provincial Director Felina C. Malabanan, who joined the virtual technology transfer training, thanked the DOST-FNRI for its support in strengthening the capacity of PHP Noodle Haus.

She likewise lauded the women’s association for its commitment to sustaining its enterprise amid the challenges brought about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Malabanan expressed hope that the PHP Noodle Haus will take advantage of the Pancit Canton with Squash Technology.

Aurrea B. Addun, president of PHP Noodle Haus, expressed gratitude to DOST-FNRI and PSTC Batangas for their “interventions” which seek to boost their productivity.

“Malaking tulong po ito sa aming negosyo dahil mas gumanda po ang kalidad ng aming produkto (This is a big help to our business because the quality of our product has improved),” she said.

Based on DOST-FNRI study, canton noodles are consumed daily by seven out of every 100 households and weekly by 36 out of every 100 households.

“While Vitamin A deficiency remains a public health problem in the Philippines as it affects more than 1.7 million children under the age of five and 500,000 pregnant and nursing women, the partial substitution of veggies like squash in place of wheat flour in noodles commonly consumed by children and adults is found effective in addressing this deficiency.”

The DOST said Pancit Canton with Squash is a nutritious noodle prepared from a blend of wheat flour, squash puree, salt, egg, and noodle improver.

“A 50-gram serving will provide 16 percent, 20 percent and 24 percent of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for energy, protein and vitamin A respectively of four to six year-old children.”