Sorsoguenon Farmers Produce Turmeric, Ginger Tea

1 E-KWENTO January 2019

Sorsoguenon farmers produce turmeric, ginger tea

n the olden days, salabat had been associated during Simbang Gabi when Filipino churchgoers after hearing I mass would buy and eat bibingka, putong bumbong or suman sa ibos and the vendors would provide salabat for free. Otherwise, if one has a sore throat, you are given this tea to soothen your throat.

Today, much has been said about the health benefits of turmeric and ginger tea. Studies and reports show that this old Indian spice aids in digestion – it possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties that help settle the stomach, reduce nausea and promote healthy digestion. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti- cancer spice.

It is no wonder that many people have turned this bright yellow herb and spice as an alternative tea for better health.

In one barangay in Sorsogon City, a group of farmers plant turmeric (luyang dilaw) ginger, lemon grass (tanglad), screwpine( pandan) and moringa oleifera (malunggay) as an alternative livelihood, noting the potential and growing demand for turmeric and ginger in the local market.

The 50-member UNLAD San Jose People’s Organization had been in the production and processing of turmeric and ginger tea for quite a time. But it was done manually making it difficult for the workers.

The Sorsogon City Water District (SCWD) took notice of this group of farmers and the potentials of their products. Thus, the UNLAD San Jose People’s Organization was formed and assisted by the SCWD through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) called Project WATER (Water District Assistance to the Environment and Resources). The organization initially had 50 members and was duly registered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in 2012.

In 2013, the organization submitted a proposal, “Luyang Dilaw and Salabat Production” to the DOLE Regional Office to enhance their project. In October 2013, the DOLE awarded PhP 355,000 worth of equipment for their large-scale turmeric and ginger tea production.

The organization’s business manager and marketing officer, Rene F. Dreu said that presently, they are producing instant turmeric and ginger tea. They have also concocted other tea variants by adding herbal plants like lagundi, oregano, pandan and malunggay to the turmeric and ginger.

2 E-KWENTO January 2019

Their products sell at PhP55.00 for a 150 gram turmeric powder, Php 65.00 for a 150 gram 4 in 1 sachet pack turmeric, ginger, oregano, lagundi) to as high as PhP 350.00 for 1 kilogram of pure ginger or turmeric ginger. The organization has two stalls in Sorsogon City to sell their products – one beside the SCWD and the other one in the Kasanggayahan Village.

“Our products reach Naga, Legaspi, Manila and some areas in the Visayas,” Absalom Dollente, President of the organization, proudly remarked. “Our members are also encouraged to sell our products and turnover the proceeds in 15 days. The members earn PhP 4.00/pack,” he further stated.

The DOLE also helped the organization by inviting them to various trade fairs. It was through these trade fairs, that they were able to get bulk buyers (about 500 packs weekly). However, these customers require that the organization’s products be registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Thus, their sales have dropped.

In 2017, the organization’s gross income amounted to PhP261, 467.00, out of which, they have netted about PhP186,034. About 20 per cent of the income goes as dividends for the members while the remaining income goes as savings for the organization. Lolita Dichoso, designated treasurer, said that she attended trainings on bookkeeping, accounting and labelling conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry and the City Water District Office.

Dollente said that the organization own land where they plant ginger and turmeric. The members are also paid for harvesting the ginger and turmeric rhizomes.

Although, its members are presently at 17 because most of the other members have relocated, the organization holds its general meeting every Sunday and Board of Directors (BOD) meeting every 2nd Saturday of the month. Absent members are required to present an excuse letter and for three consecutive absences, the leaders talk to the errant member.

“The leadership trainings sponsored by the DOLE and DTI helped a lot in the management of the organization,” Dollente said.

“We hope that we will be able to maintain our small enterprise and encourage consumers the benefits of drinking luyang dilaw,” Dollente remarked.

So, folks! Detox your liver, reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, ease pain, and reduce nausea and other digestive disorders – all in a simple cup of tea! Drink luyang dilaw/salabat tea!

BWSC monitoring team, together with DOLE Sorsogon Field Office Personnel EDITORIAL BOARD and UNLAD San Jose People’s Organization members Chairperson: Director Ma. Karina Perida-Trayvilla Editor-in-Chief: Cielo C. Cabalatungan Managing Editor: Content :

404-3336, 527-5856, 527-3097 Telefax: 527-5858 [email protected] www.bwsc.dole.gov.ph http://www.facebook.com/bwsc.dole