Tiaong LGU trains LGBTQIA+ community in meat processing livelihood skills

By Rowena T. Cruz Participants of the LGBTQIA+ community in Tiaong join a hands-on meat processing training organized by the local governmen...

By Rowena T. Cruz

Participants of the LGBTQIA+ community in Tiaong join a hands-on meat processing training organized by the local government and the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian. (Quezon PIO)

TIAONG, Quezon — Food processing remains one of the more accessible business options for residents because products can be prepared and sold from home with limited capital. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Tiaong recently spent May 21 grinding meat, mixing seasonings, and learning how to turn kitchen skills into income through a local government-backed training program.

Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office workers staged the training with the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian under the directive of Mayor Vincent Arjay “RJM” Mea. Around 50 LGBTQIA+ officers and members attended the activity and joined hands-on demonstrations throughout the day.



Participants prepared pork tapa, pork tocino, pork siomai, and pork skinless longganisa while trainers walked them through seasoning, food preparation, storage, and processing methods used in food businesses. Maria Cecilia Casino and Cheyenne San Agustin from the Provincial Veterinarian Office’s Livestock and Poultry Development Division led the training sessions.

They taught participants how to handle meat safely, maintain sanitation standards, and compute production costs before selling products to customers. Participants also packed finished products and calculated selling prices during the workshop.

Councilor Maja Escueta said livelihood programs give struggling residents a chance to earn while building confidence and independence. She also pushed for more inclusive programs that reach sectors often left out of economic opportunities.

“Malaki ang maitutulong ng ganitong programa upang mabigyan ng dagdag na kabuhayan at kumpiyansa ang ating komunidad,” ani Escueta. “Nais nating matiyak na may pantay na pagkakataon ang bawat sektor na matuto, kumita, at umasenso.”

Escueta urged participants to treat the training as a starting point rather than a one-day activity. She said small opportunities can grow into stable livelihoods when backed by persistence and support from the local government.

“Hindi lang ito simpleng pagsasanay kundi pagkakataon para magsimula ng mas matatag na kabuhayan para sa inyong mga pamilya,” dagdag ni Escueta. “Patuloy naming susuportahan ang mga programang nagbibigay ng pag-asa at oportunidad sa bawat miyembro ng komunidad.”

By the end of the workshop, participants had already packed finished meat products and computed possible selling prices for their goods. Municipal leaders said the training aimed to help participants bring home practical skills that can be used to start small food businesses in their communities.