Taguig’s Kakanin Industry Now More Competitive with DOST’s Innovative Technologies
The DOST-NCR is helping to make Taguig City’s traditional kakanin industry more competitive alongside other native delicacies by integrating science, technology, and innovation (STI) into local food production and processes. Through appropriate food processing technologies, technical assistance, and capability-building activities, the initiative aims to strengthen the productivity and competitiveness of local kakanin producers while preserving the city’s rich culinary heritage.
As part of the project titled “Revitalizing Industry Competitiveness and Enhancing Production Capacity of Kakanin Entrepreneurs in Taguig (RICE CAKE Taguig),” the DOST-NCR provided the Taguig Kakanin Producers Cooperative (TKPC) last 31 July 2026 with various food processing technologies and equipment. These include a Cabinet Steamer, Coconut Grater, Deck Oven, Water Bath Pasteurization Machine, Rice Grinder, and Cooker Mixer. These technologies are expected to improve production efficiency, enhance product quality and consistency, support the development of safe and market-ready kakanin products, and provide opportunities to develop new product prototypes and techno-economic feasibility studies.
Through the RICE CAKE Taguig project, local producers can improve and standardize processing parameters, enhance product consistency, explore new product concepts, and develop value-added products using locally available ingredients and established culinary practices. These interventions can help strengthen the cooperative’s production capacity while providing opportunities to make traditional kakanin more competitive in the modern food market.
The equipment was formally turned over during the inauguration of the Rajah Sumakwel Multipurpose Building and Taguig City Nutrition and Food Technology Center in Barangay Upper Bicutan, Taguig City. Present during the ceremony were Taguig City Mayor Hon. Maria Laarni “Lani” Cayetano, Mr. Kim L. Atienza, Head of MUNTAPARLAS Clustered Area Science and Technology Office (CASTO) who represented DOST-NCR Regional Director Engr. Romelen T. Tresvalles, Taguig-Pateros 1st District Representative Hon. Ricardo “Ading” Cruz Jr., Taguig City 2nd District Representative Hon. Jorge Daniel S. Bocobo, and TKPC Chairperson Ms. Andrelina F. Amado.
To complement the provision of equipment, DOST-NCR also provided Plant Layout Assistance for the newly built facility. The assistance focused on ensuring the appropriate and efficient arrangement of work areas, equipment, production lines, storage spaces, and other essential facilities. A systematic layout helps facilitate the efficient movement of raw materials, personnel, and finished products while minimizing unnecessary movement and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Members of the TKPC also learned new concepts about Food Safety and Productivity Improvement through a capability-building seminar conducted by DOST-NCR’s Food Safety Unit. The seminar strengthened their understanding of safe food handling, proper processing practices, and productivity-enhancing techniques, enabling them to improve product quality, maintain food safety, and adopt more efficient production practices.
These interventions are intended to establish a more organized and functional production environment where TKPC can effectively operate, maintain food safety standards, and maximize the use of the newly provided technologies. By combining technology upgrading with technical assistance and skills development, the project provides a more thorough approach to strengthening the cooperative’s operations and long-term sustainability.
In addition, DOST-NCR will be providing Packaging and Labeling Assistance to TKPC to upgrade the presentation, identity, and marketability of its kakanin products. The assistance will guide the cooperative in developing appropriate and standardized packaging and labels that reflect product information, ensure compliance with applicable Philippine regulatory requirements, promote proper food identification and traceability, and provide consumers with clear and accurate information. This intervention will also help establish a consistent product identity across TKPC’s product lines, enhance consumer confidence, and prepare its products for wider market distribution and potential commercialization.
Anchored on the DOST Wealth Creation Pillar, this project promotes the application of science, technology, and innovation (STI) to enhance enterprise productivity and competitiveness, generate sustainable economic opportunities, and strengthen community-based enterprises. Through DOST-NCR’s interventions, TKPC is now enabled to modernize its operations, improve product quality and marketability, develop value-added products, and enhance their venture’s long-term viability.
The RICE CAKE Taguig project is being implemented under DOST’s Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) Program, which aims to empower communities by applying STI to address local needs and improve livelihoods. For the kakanin sector, the interventions support standardized processing and improved product quality, enhanced production capacity through technology upgrading and training, research and development for innovative and value-added food products, and the creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities.
This initiative also demonstrates how science, technology, and innovation can help strengthen not only emerging industries but also traditional, community-based enterprises. Through sustained collaboration among DOST-NCR, the City Government of Taguig, TKPC, and other stakeholders, the RICE CAKE Taguig project can contribute to strengthening local enterprises, promoting food innovation, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities while ensuring that Taguig City’s kakanin heritage continues to thrive in a modern and more competitive food industry.
By Anthony Dula of MUNTAPARLAS CASTO
