Pack-a-Darag winning entries in focus
To further strengthen the advocacy campaign for the Darag native chicken, the Darag IEC Team of the Western Visayas Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) has launched the Pack-a-Darag Contest, a packaging competition to showcase the creative packaging of Darag native chicken delicacies.
The objective of the contest is to come up with a generic packaging for Darag native chicken delicacies like litson manok, binakol, inasal, and the like. The appropriate packaging of the products is an essential component of marketing and commercialization of the Darag native chicken.
Topping all entries was the cheap board packaging material conceptualized by Paciencia R. Flores, Danilo E. Abayon and Libertad B. Bolivar of Aklan State University (ASU). The inexpensive packaging material measuring 22x9x4 inches is light-weight and easy to carry. The packaging material costs P30.00.
The design of the winning entry shows that of a woven mat from coconut leaves to enhance artistic value at promoting its use in making chicken nests. Information like list of ingredients, nutrition facts, net weight, and date of production were added as to adhere to the labeling regulations set by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD).
The native-inspired, indigenous packaging conceptualized by Elsa I. Abayon and Paciencia R. Flores, also from ASU, was the second place. The basket-like packaging material was made from buri leaves with accented colorful raffia fibers.
Buri and raffia are indigenous in the Province of Aklan. Buri is known for being a fine weaving material that is water-proof, heat- resistant, easily cleaned and does not absorb any off-odors. On the other hand, the bright colors of the dyed raffia fibers made the packaging material very attractive. The printed label attached to the packaging material carries information about the packaged food such as ingredients, nutrition facts, net weight and date of production.
The use of local fibers as packaging materials is one way of promoting the indigenous products of the Province of Aklan. Fibers, especially pina and abaca, are among the minor banner commodities of WESVARRDEC.
The freshly cut bamboo is an indigenous yet elegant packaging designed purposely for the chicken binakol. This packaging design got third place in the Pack-a-Drag Contest. Bamboo is one of the minor banner commodities of the consortium. The cost of the bamboo packaging material is P10.00.
Bamboo is an inexpensive raw material that is useful in many ways. This can even be used in lieu of kettles and other cooking vessels in food preparations.
With lemon grass and other ingredients packed with the uncooked native chicken, binakol can be conveniently prepared. Other than adding flavor, the thick wall of bamboo could also act as heat insulator, keeping the food hot for a long period of time.
Proper labeling and food information were also added to adhere with the regulations set by the DTI and BFAD.
The bamboo packaging entry was conceptualized by Paciencia R. Flores and Libertad B. Bolivar, both from ASU.
For more information about the Darag native chicken, visit us at the WESVARRDEC Office, UP in the Visayas, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City or call us at (033) 335-0630. you may also log on to the official website, the www.darag.wesvarrdec.org and email us at darag.iec@gmail.com.
(Shalimar Francisco, Darag IEC)