The Cebu Normal University (CNU) project team for co-creating the cinnamon industry in Cebu visited Barangay San Antonio in Boljoon town today for an immersive experience in the local cinnamon plantation and engage with the cinnamon farmers.

 

Led by Dr. Jay Picardal, director of the Research Institute for Tropical Biology and Pharmacological Biotechnology (RITPB), the CNU team held a focus group discussion with cinnamon farmers to explore the historical and cultural significance of the town’s cinnamon, locally known as “mana”.

 

This initiative is part of the development of community-based educational resource materials, in order to celebrate and promote mana through various artistic and cultural expressions including a dance festival, theatrical play, poetry, stories, and songs, among others.

 

Accompanying Dr. Picardal were core team members Dr. Genara Pacaña and Dr. Marchee Picardal, along with other specialists: Dr. Lito Diones (Cultural and Sports Development director, overseeing the theatrical play), Dr. Rose Hernani and Dr. Jucel Jaluage (dance festival coordinators), Dr. Gilda Cañete and Dr. Elvin Ruiz (myth storytelling), Dr. Lita Bacalla (poetry in Filipino), and Dr. Charlo Iradel (techno guide development). They were also joined by illustrator Mr. Emmanuel Iradel, who is developing comic illustrations about mana. There were also other team members who were not able to join the visit and were working remotely.

 

The team also explored several areas where mana are planted, further enriching their understanding of this unique resource.

 

Moreover, other members of the San Antonio Farmers Association were also attending the online pre-registration and orientation of the Cooperative Development Authority, for their pending application in turning their association into a cooperative.

 

This cinnamon project is a recipient of a P4.9 million grant from the National Innovation Council-Executive Technical Board (NIC-TEC) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The cinnamon processing facility is set to be established in the municipality of Alegria.

 

This project is a testament to CNU’s commitment to sustainable community development.