Coco-based entrepreneurs in Agusan Norte train on product competitiveness
By Nora L. Molde
Food panelists evaluated the innovative
products of the participating MSMEs from Agusan del Norte and Butuan City
during the food enhancement training on August 26-28, 2025 in Butuan City.
(Photo courtesy of DTI Agusan del Norte)
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Coconut-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Agusan del Norte, including Butuan City, are now more equipped to bring their products to wider markets after completing the COCOsense: Product Enhancement Activity for Extensive Food Sensory Evaluation of Coconut-based Products.
The three-day training, held on August 26-28, equipped participants with practical knowledge on food safety protocols, sensory evaluation, and consumer acceptability testing. Through hands-on sessions on product preparation, preference ranking, consumer testing, and data analysis, MSMEs learned how to upgrade product quality and innovate based on market-driven insights.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Mindanao, the training highlighted the importance of academe-industry collaboration. Faculty members from UP Mindanao’s Department of Food Science and Chemistry guided MSMEs in applying scientific testing and consumer-driven innovation to improve and diversify coconut-based products.
“This training opened our eyes to how scientific testing and consumer feedback can truly improve our products,” said Lumaran of the BASCAA Coconut Farmers’ Organization, one of the MSME participants. Others also shared that they are now more confident to market their products, knowing these are backed by science, consumer preferences, and industry standards.
During the activity, more than 100 food panelists evaluated the innovative products from participating MSMEs, including coconut spreads, buko strips, coco-cacao crunch, coco biscuits (Salvaro), coco-ginger syrup, coco syrup, and coco water.
DTI Agusan del Norte Director Lorijane D. Sacote emphasized that COCOsense is a crucial initiative in uplifting the coconut industry in Caraga, noting that by equipping MSMEs with the right tools and knowledge, “we are ensuring that their products meet both consumer preferences and global standards.”
MSMEs play a vital role in the economy, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, they comprised 99.5 percent of all registered business establishments in 2019, contributing 40 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), and generating over 60 percent of employment. Strengthening coconut-based enterprises not only benefits farmers and local producers but also fosters job creation, higher income, and sustainable livelihoods in communities.
Through initiatives like COCOsense, coconut farmers and MSMEs in Caraga are empowered to expand market reach, enhance competitiveness, and contribute more strongly to the country’s growing coconut industry. (NLCM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
