On April 25, 2025, the Agribusiness Extension Unit of Isabela State University Roxas trained women entrepreneurs from Barangay Simimbaan, Roxas, Isabela, in Kamias processing. The activity aimed to empower local women and members of the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) by equipping them with practical skills in food processing and small enterprise development. The training focused on Kamias fruit processing, cost and return analysis, and enterprise development, providing participants with knowledge on how to turn local resources into viable income-generating products. This project was co-funded by the Gender and Development (GAD) Unit of the Local Government Unit of Roxas, Isabela, as part of their ongoing efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural communities.

The event highlighted ISUR’s commitment to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, by encouraging income-generating activities; SDG 5: Gender Equality, through the empowerment of women; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by fostering entrepreneurial skills and economic activity; and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by promoting the sustainable use of local fruits like Kamias.

Agribusiness faculty and student-extensionists actively participated in the training by demonstrating the process of making Kamias seasoning mix, a value-added product that transforms an underutilized fruit into a sustainable food item. They also led a demonstration on designing product labels, emphasizing the importance of branding and using colors that resonate with the target market to attract customers and build identity.

The training was spearheaded by Ms. Edna M. Valdez, study leader, and Mr. Percival L. Domingo, project member. Their technical expertise guided participants through the entrepreneurial process. Also present was Mr. Achilles Othello S. Liban, a staff member from the campus extension and training unit, who delivered welcome remarks and encouraged participants to continue seeking opportunities for self-improvement and livelihood development.

As a result, the training left participants motivated and equipped to start or enhance their livelihood ventures. The partnership between ISU Roxas and the LGU of Roxas serves as a model for effective collaboration toward grassroots development and local entrepreneurship.