(Department of Agriculture photo) MANILA - About 1,000 farmers in Bukidnon will benefit from a banana processing technology through the aid of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Secretary Fortunato de la Pena announced Friday. In a video-recorded report, de la Pena said banana farmers in Lantapan, Bukidnon could use a banana chips processing facility that will soon be established in the area. The project's main beneficiary, the Rural Improvement Club (RIC), received a set of banana chips processing equipment worth PHP102,960 from DOST-Bukidnon. The DOST has also scheduled hands-on training on banana chips processing, food safety, and good manufacturing practices. "The 41 members of RIC are expecting additional income of around PHP20,000 per month once the facility is in full operation, through their main product - (the) native Cardava chips," de la Pena said. About 20 locals will be employed to manage the livelihood intervention, he added. "Banana chips