MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (PIA) — Four agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Bukidnon successfully finished the product development project led by the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). This annual initiative aims to elevate the packaging and labeling of ARBs locally crafted goods.
Held from September to December 2024, the project’s latest run focused on improving the marketability of CARP-assisted MSMEs in Bukidnon by enhancing the aesthetic and regulatory quality of their product designs.
The DTI-CARP organized a series of tailored sessions, including one-on-one consultations with designer Ms. Sai Laroco and the DTI-CARP team. CARP-assisted MSMEs that participated included Balaoro Farmers Association, Inc., which produces chocolate; Araneta Farmers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association Multipurpose Cooperative, which grows naturally farmed rice; Belayong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (BARBECO), which makes banana chips; and Dalwangan-Malaybalay Unified Dairy Agrarian Reform Cooperative, which produces fresh milk.
DTI-CARP will closely monitor the market performance of these newly designed products to evaluate the project’s impact and effectiveness.
Upon the project’s completion, BARBECO Chairman Ven Jay Capucao lauded the DTI.
“On behalf of BARBECO, we extend our warmest gratitude to DTI for enhancing our product label and packaging,” he said.
Capucao said the cooperative looks forward to a more competitive product and a wider market.
Interested buyers can purchase local products from the four MSMEs through their respective Facebook pages.
Mandated to promote entrepreneurship and develop MSMEs in Agrarian Reform Communities, the DTI-CARP provides comprehensive support services to CARPreneurs. These services include product development, entrepreneurial training, strategic partnerships, and consultancy. The support helps beneficiaries strengthen their enterprises, enhance market competitiveness, and drive sustainable growth within their communities. (DTI-Bukidnon/PIA 10-Bukidnon)
