MALITA, Davao Occidental (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Occidental has extended a banana chips processing project to a farmers’ cooperative in Malita town, aiming to strengthen the local banana processing industry in the province.
The DTI in the province, in partnership with key government agencies, has recently inaugurated the Shared Service Facility (SSF) for Banana Chips Processing at Sitio Malaway, Barangay Kinangan in said municipality.
The project’s modern equipment and technical support provides an opportunity for the agrarian reform beneficiaries and agripreneurs of the Malaway Farmers Marketing Cooperative (MAFAMCO), to enhance their production efficiency, product quality, and market competitiveness.
Candido H. Limikid, DTI Davao Occidental program manager, said the SSF on Banana Chips Processing Facility is equipped with modern slicing, frying, and packaging equipment, which will “enable producers to meet food safety standards and expand market reach.”
“This facility will enhance value-added processing, reduce post-harvest losses, and position local banana products as competitive offerings in both domestic and international markets,” Limikid stated, as he underscored the significant impact of the SSF project on local banana farmers and processors.
The DTI initiative is aligned with the government’s goal of promoting rural industrialization, enhancing agricultural productivity, and supporting the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in Davao Occidental.
Limikid also recognized the partner agencies’ crucial role and collaborative efforts in supporting the MSMEs in the agricultural sector through training, financial assistance, and business development services.
The partner agencies include, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Provincial Cooperative Development Office (PCDO), and the Provincial Economic Enterprises, and Investment Promotion Office (PEEIPO). (CLC/PIA Davao/DTI Davao Occidental)
