In its continuing effort to bring science, technology, and innovation closer to all, the Department of Science and Technology – Pangasinan (DOST-Pangasinan) conducted a Technology Training on Calamansi Juice Processing for 30 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) on August 20, 2025, at the Dagupan City Jail – Male Dormitory (DCJ-MD).
The partnership between DOST-Pangasinan and DCJ-MD forms part of its Skills and Enhancement Training Program for both PDLs and jail officers. The training opens opportunities for microenterprise development inside and outside the facility, giving PDLs a better chance at opening opportunities that support rehabilitation and successful reintegration into their communities
One of the participants, identified as “Mario” (not his real name), shared, “Ang training na ito ay nagbigay sa amin n pag-asa na makapagsimula ng kabuhayan kapag nakabalik na kami sa aming mga tahanan. Taos-puso kaming nagpapsalamat sa kaalaman at sa pagkakataong matuto habang ginugugol namin ang aming panahon dito” (This training has given us hope to start a livelihood once we return to our homes. We are sincerely grateful for the knowledge and for the opportunity to learn while spending our time here).
Mr. Alvin S. Aguilan, Instructor I from Pangasinan State University – Bayambang Campus, and Ms. Monica May B. Varilla, a Professional Food Technologist from the DOST Region 1 – PSU Food Innovation Center served as the resource persons of the training. The activity featured Calamansi Juice Processing as one of the technology offerings of the PSU–DOST Region 1 FIC under its extension and skills training
program, which aims to promote food innovation and enterprise development. The participants also learned about current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Basic Food Safety, essential foundations for producing safe and market-ready food products.
SJO4 William L. Atiwag Jr., DCJ-MD Unit Executive Senior Jail Officer, emphasized the importance of the activity, noting that the support of DOST-Pangasinan and PSU-DOST 1 FIC greatly contributes to empowering PDLs by providing them with technology-based skills training that prepares them for livelihood and reintegration. ( Brenn Justin P. Guevarra)
