A new batch of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in MIMAROPA undergo free product development assistance through the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Regional Integrated Product Development Assistance (RIPDA) Project. 

RIPDA is an annual initiative of DTI MIMAROPA that started in 2017 and continues to provide product development through the provision of packaging designs for food MSMEs and new product designs for non-food MSMEs.

Sample prototypes developed under the Regional Integrated Product Development Assistance (RIPDA) run in 2019
Sample prototypes developed under the Regional Integrated Product Development Assistance (RIPDA) run in 2019

This year’s virtual RIPDA focuses on the provision of secondary packaging designs to the selected MIMAROPA products. As the e-Commerce industry blooms, so does the demand of consumers for convenient delivery channels. Through secondary packaging, products are provided with further physical protection to ensure that they are delivered in good condition. Apart from this, it also adds a new layer of branding that will not only elevate but also help sustain and grow the brand presence of these products on the shelves of supermarkets and other stores. 

DTI MIMAROPA tapped the expertise of a professional designer who will be responsible for drafting the layout and design of the packaging. A virtual design consultation will also be facilitated to equip the MSMEs additional knowledge on product packaging and branding.

A total of 18 MSMEs, 17 food and one non-food, from the provinces of Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan were selected to join the 2021 run of the product development assistance project. The consultation sessions and designing process started on 9 December 2021 and will end on 21 December 2021. By the end of the project, the final approved designs will be turned over to the MSMEs. 

“Continuous ang aming efforts to improve the market access of our MSMEs in MIMAROPA, especially now that consumer habits are changing triggered by the pandemic. Also, hindi limited sa protection and display ang use ng secondary packaging, we make sure that the products of our MSMEs adhere to globally recognized regulations,” said DTI MIMAROPA Regional Director Joel B. Valera. ♦

Date of Release: 16 December 2021