Philippines delegation breaks healthy bread with Joburg

29 March 2016

 

Adelegation from the Philippines is in Johannesburg to train 100 local bakers over five days in producing healthy bread and running successful bakeries.

 

The training is part of the city’s Blue Economy programme which seeks to stimulate entrepreneurship through innovative ways of using local resources in a sustainable manner.

 

The Philippine delegation is made up of Dr. Evelyn Taboada, Dean of the College of Engineering and BioPERC Director of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of San Carlos, Carolyne Go, CEO of the Green Enviro Management Systems (GEMS), plus two master bakers from the Philippines, Elizabeth Franscisco and Romeo Balungog.

 

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development, Councillor Nonceba Molwele, welcomed the delegation to the city, saying their presence will help to promote a healthy lifestyle whilst alleviating poverty at the same time. “This bread will introduce a sustainable way of uplifting communities such as Alexandra and Soweto whilst promoting healthy living.” 

 

MMC Molwele said the city settled on the Philippine model following extensive research on international best practice in bread making. “We researched the types of bread available in the world that not only feed people but also ensure that people eat healthy. We then decided to join forces with GEMS and Magic Melts because of their extensive experience in using mango flour to produce bread, pastries and other baked products.”

 

Caroline Go said the training will not be confined to baking. “We offer a holistic programme that includes making bread, Financial Management, Administration, Operations and People Management.” She added that her delegation has prepared over 10 recipes for the five days of training. The recipes they will be training in focuses on reducing sugar and salt content on the breads, muffins and pastries.  

 

Dr Taboada said local communities could emulate the Phillipine model which is already successful. The training will end with a graduation ceremony on Saturday.