CSU SANCHEZ MIRA, CAGAYAN — The Department of Trade and Industry Region 2 (DTI R2), through its Small and Medium Enterprise Development Division (SMEDD), continues to increase the competitiveness of coconut-based products through a three-day training dubbed “Technology Course for Coconut” held at CSU Sanchez Mira in Cagayan on 16-18 May 2023.
This comprehensive three-day initiative promotes innovation and sustainability among 18 local coconut industry participants with practical skills and knowledge.
Mr. Russel P. Jardiolin, a Laguna-based consultant and coconut expert and the owner of RNM Garden, provided the participants with a hands-on workshop focused on coco coir binding techniques, the opportunity to upgrade previously developed prototypes, and a prototyping workshop for creating coco pots, coco sacks, and coco shell vases.
Furthermore, attendees also received a prototyping session focused on the creation of other coco coir-based products, such as coco coir grow cubes, coir mulch pads, coco rope, coco net, and coco products for gardens (to be packed and labeled).
DTI R2 RD Leah Pulido Ocampo expressed her dream for the coconut industry to have more quality coconut-based products such as virgin coconut oil, coconut milk, and coconut water for the food sector and carpets, hotel slippers, and other functional items for the non-food sector.
Further, Sanchez Mira Mayor Abraham Bagasin highlighted that despite their municipality being the top coconut-producing town in the region, only a few by-products are sold in the market. Hence, he expressed his gratitude to DTI R2 for its continuous interventions and promotion of the coconut industry and encouraged the participants to practice all the learnings they get from the activity.
Likewise, Dr. Verlino Baddu, Dean of the College of Teacher Education at CSU Sanchez Mira, graced the opening program of the activity on behalf of Dr. Rodel Francisco Alegado, Campus Executive Officer, and expressed his appreciation to the agency for their continuous intervention and collaborations with CSU Sanchez Mira, especially in the coconut industry. ♦
Posted on Facebook on May 19, 2023
Date of release: 19 May 2023
