PANABO CITY – A five-day training program, held from late November to mid-December 2025, equipped Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) with skills in tea production and business management. The initiative, titled “From Leaves to Livelihood: Empowerment through Tea Production and Entrepreneurship – DAHON (Daghang Abilidad, Hulagway sa Oportunidad og Negosyo)”, was launched by Davao del Norte State College (DNSC).
Project DAHON was implemented by the Blue Hawks Team, following their victory in the community outreach pitching competition during the Philippine Civil Service Anniversary Celebration 2025. The participants of the training were members of the Davao del Norte Kapisanan ng may Kapansanan (DNK MAY K).
“We are happy and blessed for the opportunity to be part of your journey,” said project proponent, Dr. Marilou D. Junsay, in her opening message. “DNSC has the expertise to provide input on tea-making, as we have a PhD graduate who specializes in tea.”
The training was conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Aquatic and Applied Sciences (IAAS), the Graduate School Student Council, the DNSC Alumni Association, Inc., the Extension Division, and the Business and Auxiliary Services Division. The curriculum covered tea-making and food safety, entrepreneurship and marketing, quality testing, sales and income generation, as well as monitoring and mentoring.
To support the immediate launch of micro-enterprises, the program donated startup equipment, including one digital scale, two multi-functional grinders, and six food dryers.
For participant Jeadel Joy A. Salomon, the experience was transformative. “This training is a life-changing opportunity,” she stated. “We are all engaged in food production, but only now did we realize the importance of proper handling and quality work. We also learned entrepreneurial skills, challenges, and opportunities in our microbusinesses.”
In her closing remarks, Blue Hawks Team Leader Karla Gumanao underscored the project’s deeper mission, saying, “Community Extension is more than an activity; it is a dedication to creating opportunities, addressing real needs, and building lasting connections.”
