Our Giver of Life has bestowed each of us with special talents to nurture, to grow, to hone, and to share. This individual capacity of man has evoked a spirit to discover new things particularly concerns to our health and maintain an initiative that our body needs essential nutrients to avoid certain illnesses.

The primary ingredients of these noodles are the squash and fish which have several benefits that our body requires. Proteins build and repair tissues, from hair and fingernails to muscles. You get proteins from food that comes from animals, such as eggs, milk, meat, fish, and poultry. Likewise, squash also has its benefit. Squash is identified as a fruit. Fruits are a source of nourishing substances that keep us alive and healthy. For example, they contain many vitamins such as A and C, and many minerals, such as calcium, potassium, and zinc. They as well provide fiber for a healthy digestive system and carbohydrates that the body needs to make energy.

Barangay Burak Magkaisa Small Business Association actively participated in the operation and management of the Vege - Fish Noodles production. They've proudly produced a delectable Vege - Fish Noodles called, "Marasa".

The notion of having a squash and fish combine in one creation is really awesome. This product is first discovered in the region and was brought in various places in the Philippines. People keep on purchasing and patronizing their product because it's really delicious, once you try it, you can speak of the product because it's really nutritious and scrumptious at the same time.

Before they attained success in their business, there are some impediments or hindrances that come along their way, mainly, the capital, the materials, and ingredients to be used. But through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Project (DILP) all their fears and uncertainties were peter out. DOLE granted the Burak Magkaisa the amount needed in providing tools and funds for training component of the project.

The Product

"Marasa" - Vege-Fish Noodles only comprises six ingredients, the squash, fish, egg, cooking oil, and fish sauce. There are no preservatives included in the making of these noodles. Only the pure and fresh ingredients that certainly supplements our body needs.

With the following procedure, go after these for you to be able to arrive with an inimitable and delectable manner of having Vege - Fish Noodles in your own tables.

Prepare one whole squash, ½ kilo of boneless fish, 12 pieces eggs, I kilo flour, 4 tablespoon oil, and 2 tablespoon fish sauce.

Step 1. Wash and cut the squash into medium pieces including its peel.
Step 2. Stir over moderate heat then leave to simmer slowly for 10 minutes.
Step 3. When done, remove skin. Mash the squash slightly with a wooden spoon. Set aside on a platter.
Step 4. Fish should be boneless. Place it in a casserole, and then simmer.
Step 5. After step 4, let the fish dry under the sun, if not, just let it cool for 15 minutes, if desired. Grind it using a blender. Set aside on a plate.
Step 6. In choosing the eggs, examine its yolk. It should be in good smell. Place it on different dish.
Step 7. Mix all ingredients (egg, cooking oil, flour, fish, squash and fish sauce) and stir it rapidly on a "mauline".
Step 8. Remove it from the "mauline", and then cut the noodles in the cutter machine according to the desired size.
Step 9. Boil it under low fire.
Step 10. Fry in deep pan until yellowish in color. Remove from pan and ready for packaging.

After following the steps, you may now cook the Vege-Fish Noodles the kind of viand you wish to have.

Sources:
Department of Labor and Employment RO8
Barangay Burak Magkaisa Small Business Association (Tolosa, Leyte)

-- Mary Grace V. Fabillar, AB Communication Student Intern of Leyte Normal University