KALIBO, Aklan - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here is tasked to save the ampao from extinction by providing technical assistance through packaging design.
Ampao is a local delicacy produced in Lezo, Aklan.
“Because ampao is only produced in Lezo, many consider the rice delicacy to be endangered. We have been asking the help of manufacturers to repackage ampao but they often reject us,” DOST-Kalibo head Jairus Lachica said.
“But now they felt the increasing competition among other delicacies. Some ampao producers already sought our assistance to help them repackage the product,” he said.
Although aimpao is not Lezo’s main entry for the “One Town One Product,” they still recognize the efforts of ampao producers to promote the thriving industry. There are only around two or three aimpao producers in Lezo, the smallest town in Aklan.
The DOST assists the packaging design through its Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) which finances small and medium entrepreneurs to upgrade their products and make them internationally competitive.
In earlier interviews, Fr. Hermiginio “Junjun” Felipe and other delicacies are considered endangered and need to be documented for the reference of the next generation.
“We need to document delicacies - how they are cooked and served so that future generations will learn Aklan's cultural and food tradition,” Felipe said.
Felipe is one of the first five priests studying at the University of Sto. Tomas for their cultural heritage course.
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