Cebuanos will get a taste of Ronda’s finest products during the Capitol’s Agro Fair on August 3 to 7.
The southern Cebu town’s humba (stewed pork in black bean sauce) and specially made camote (cassava) chips are among the offerings to be showcased at the fair next month in time for the province’s 446th founding anniversary.
Provincial Agriculturist Roldan Saragena said the “new” camote chips are not yet out in the market, except in nearby towns.
“These chips are roasted, infusing the technique and formula of its partner, Silliman University,” Saragena said.
Lilibeth Montaño, municipal agriculturist, said SU’s intervention came through the initiative of the Department of Agrarian Reform.
Apart from training farmers the method of producing these chips, the project also involves packaging and marketing of “Ronda’s Best,” she said.
The beneficiaries of the project are graduates of the Farmer-Scientist Training Program (FSTP) from barangays Malangay, Langin and Vive.
Aside from making camote chips, they were also given a demonstration on making banana chips and sayote salad.
Some of these products have been introduced to nearby Moalboal town. The farmers are still undergoing training, Montaño added.
Montaño said once they have perfected the craft, these will be approved by SU.
She said SU allowed the farmers to sell their products in the meantime, but they have to use a different packaging.
“We could not use the packaging prescribed by SU as they have yet to check the quality of the products first,” she added.
Ronda became famous for its unique tangy version of the humba—whose taste, comes from the right mix of soy sauce, sugar and garlic.
The town’s recipe is now being served as a signature dish in the restaurant of a major hotel in Cebu City.