IFSU-CAHS capacitates people’s org on tomato-based soap making


The College of Agriculture and Home Science (CAHS) of the Ifugao State University (IFSU) conducted the ‘Training on Tomato-Based Soap Processing’ with ten (10) women-members of the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) hailing from nearby barangays of Bimpal, Payawan, Nayon, and Bolog on June 25, 2020.

At the outset, Dr. Teresita D. Allig, CAHS Dean, discussed on the medicinal and skin benefits of tomatoes to the participants. This was followed by the discussion of procedures and required ingredients for tomato-based soap making by Linda Tagtagon, CAHS faculty-member. Tagtagon also showed the actual preparation and processing. Participants conducted a return-demo after the workshop.

RIC President Dolores Bayucca shared that the training provided them livelihood options. “As a homemaker, learning this skill (tomato-based soap processing) is helpful as I will not have to regularly buy bar soaps which is one of the items that is easily depleted in our household,” she added. Bayucca stated that she and her colleagues, who attended the training, shall re-echo what they have learned from IFSU to the rest of the members of the organization.

Allig said that the training is a timely extension service to communities as the perennial concern of surplus in crops like tomatoes is currently being experienced by farmers. Processing, she shared, will give added value to these crops so they can sell the products at a higher price.

Said training is also a part of the project, “SPA for eJ: Soap and Allocation for every Juan,” which is one of the five CHED-funded RDE projects of the University under its Emergency Response Program Against COVID-19.