KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Region 12 has initiated a “Technology and Product Development Learning Visit to Coconut Integrated Processing MSMEs in Caraga” aimed at engaging micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the coconut industry on March 21, 2023, in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

The learning visit intended to gather crucial information about the coconut industry from leading enterprises and enhance the efficiency and productivity of Region 12’s coconut MSMEs through introduction of innovative and updated technologies in coconut farming and production.

The Amparitas Integrated Natural Farm, shortly called Amparitas, was the primary benchmark enterprise for operating a coconut-integrated business from production to processing of coconut food and non-food products with zero waste management practices.

In the learning visit, the participants were given an opportunity to go to the production plans of Amparitas and observe the production process of some of its banner products, namely coconut sugar, virgin coconut oil, coco twines, coco coir, and geonets.

DTI 12 onboarded a total of twenty MSMEs from all over the region in the initial endeavor through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).

The CFIDP is a program developed by the Philippine government, with DTI as one of the implementing agencies, to support the growth and development of the coconut industry in the country as well as to assist coconut farmers and processors, promote the use of innovative and sustainable technologies in coconut production and processing, and boost the competitiveness of the Philippine coconut industry in the global market.

Flora Politud-Gabunales, the Regional Director of DTI 12, stated in an interview that the learning visit is part of the agency’s threefold task with regard to the implementation of CFIDP. Specifically, these are research and product development, marketing, and market promotion.

“The learning visit is under the research and product development task of DTI as part of the implementation of the CFIDP. Our ultimate aim is to introduce innovative and market-driven coconut products in the region, which can be replicated by our coconut MSMEs,” said Politud-Gabunales. DTI 12 targets to exhibit the latest coconut products developed through the research and product development interventions at the Treasures of Region 12 Trade Fair in Manila this December, as a culmination of the agency’s efforts. The trade fair will also serve as an opportunity to test market acceptance of the innovative coconut products.♦

Date of release: 23 March 2023