DTI turns over product enhancement kit to Surigao Norte ‘cocopreneurs’
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Surigao del Norte recently turned-𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 product enhancement kits to improve the packaging materials and product labels of the 15 local coconut entrepreneurs or ‘cocopreneurs’ under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).
The activity aims to strengthen the competitiveness of coconut-based enterprises by enhancing product presentation, branding, and market readiness.
Participants are members of the following cooperatives in the province of Surigao del Norte: Cayawan Coco Oil Maker Association, RGE Agricultural Product Store, Ralph’s Food Products Manufacturing, Cocorajaw Coconut Manufacturing, Mabini United Farmers Cooperative (MAUNFACO), Tinago Eagles Fisherfolks and Farmers Producers Cooperative (TEFFPCO), Rural Improvement Producers Cooperative (RIPROCO), 5 Star Beauty and Health Products Manufacturing, Lisbos Cacao Trading, Rubies Food Products, Vella’s Sweet Station Cakes and Pastries Shop, Auntie Mona’s Food Products, BGTF Food Products Trading, Mahanub Coconut Farmers’ Producers Cooperative, and San Isidro Farmers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (SIFARBECO).
DTI Surigao del Norte Director Arnold Faelanar said, “The provision of improved packaging and compliant labels will better equip the beneficiary to protect product quality, attract consumers, and access wider markets.”
“The initiative highlights DTI’s continuing commitment to supporting coconut farmers, processors, and MSMEs by adding value to coconut-based products and promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities in the province,” he added.
For her part, Aling Cecilia, a member of Mabini United Farmers Cooperative (MAUNFACO) in Placer town, thanked the government for empowering cocopreneurs and for the unwavering commitment to MSME. “Thank you for seeing the potential in our coconut products. As cocopreneurs, we have the passion and the product, but your support has given us the professional edge we need to reach more customers. This is more than just plastic and paper to us; this serves as a bridge to a better livelihood for our families and our community.”
DTI Surigao del Norte reaffirmed its commitment to continuously assist the cocopreneurs through product development, capacity-building, and market linkage initiatives under the CFIDP, ensuring that Surigaonon coco-based products remain competitive and sustainable in the local and national markets. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DTI-SDN)
