In line with its vision of fully realizing a greener economy by maximizing the abundance of agricultural products in the region, the DTI Region 2 SME Development Division (SMEDD) held a one-on-one Technology and Design Consultation to select Cagayan Valley MSMEs under the Non-Food Sector last 27-29, July 2022 at the DTI R2 Negosyo Building in Tuguegarao City and via Zoom, respectively.

Initiated by the Product Development and Standards Unit of SMEDD, this activity aimed to optimize the potential of the raw materials by developing housewares and decor using Coco Coir, Scrap Wood, Pineapple Fiber, and Bamboo. The activity also sought to study driftwood, tiger grass, and rattan, among others, as alternative raw materials.

Mr. Stanley Ruiz, a multi-awarded design consultant and principal of Estudio Ruiz, a Manila-based design consultancy, served as the Design Consultant for the activity.

Thirty-six (36) MSMEs under the non-food sector, including five Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) beneficiaries, were onboarded on the four separate days of lectures and consultations, while 108 new product designs are now under execution as a result of the sessions.

This said session is in preparation for the upcoming Padday na Lima Regional Trade and Investment Fair (RTIF), set to kick off on November 25, this year, wherein DTI will launch newly-developed design prototypes. The RTIF will take place at Robinsons Place in Tuguegarao. ⬥

Release of date: 25 August 2022