DOST ‘upgrading’ Northern Mindanao’s ‘Binaki’


Binaki, the popular steamed corn cake in Northern Mindanao, has been upgraded through the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) interventions.

Binaki, popular steamed corn cake in Northern Mindanao (Photo from ATI Northern Mindanao/MANILA BULLETIN FILE)

DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the DOST has extended Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) assistance to Atugan’s Nature Farm, one of the biggest producers of binaki in Bukidnon.

“The famous indigenous food “Binaki”, a steamed cake made of grated young corn, that originated in Northern Mindanao, gets S&T (science and technology) upgrading after one of its biggest producers in Bukidnon, Atugan’s Nature Farm, availed SETUP assistance,” he said.

SETUP seeks to improve the productivity and competitiveness of local entrepreneurs through the adoption of technology-based interventions.

"Various technical assistance was also provided to the enterprise such as laboratory analysis, microbial test, nutrifacts for their products, as well as consultancy services that offer recommendations for the improvement of packaging/labeling, food safety and other processes and workplace arrangements,” de la Peña said.

https://mb.com.ph/2021/05/11/binaki-bukidnons-sweet-delicacy-made-from-corn/

SETUP enables micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to address their technical problems and improve productivity and efficiency through:

-Infusion of appropriate technologies to improve products, services and/or operations

-Human resource training, technical assistance and consultancy services

-Design of functional packages and labels

-Assistance in the establishment of product standards including testing

-Database management system

-Provision of assistance for technology acquisition

-Priority Sectors.

The priority sectors of the program are Food processing, Furniture, Gifts, Housewares, Decors, Agriculture/Marine/Aquaculture, Metals and Engineering, and Others (including information and communications technology (ICT), pharmaceuticals and health products).