25/08/2026
๐๐ง๐, ๐ก๐๐ ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ด๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ฑ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ผ๐ฝ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Isabela, in partnership with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Santiago City and the City Government of Santiago, strengthened its support for community-based enterprise development through the Skills Training on Fruit and Vegetable Processing cm Product Packaging and Labeling held on August 20, 2026 at the Santiago City Food Processing and Toll Packaging Facility, Bannawag Norte, Santiago City, Isabela. The activity was initiated and requested by NIA Santiago City in response to the identified skills development needs of its assisted irrigatorsโ associations and to explore opportunities for agricultural value addition and livelihood development. A total of 34 participants, composed of NIA beneficiaries and members of the Ganadu Association and Lucy 7 CIA, participated in the activity.
The morning session focused on fruit and vegetable processing, facilitated by Chef Cornelio โCocoyโ Ventura III through hands-on demonstrations and practical exercises. Participants were introduced to the facilityโs processing equipment and guided in preparing dehydrated or chewy dried pineapple, pineapple and traditional kimchi, pineapple jam, and atchara, providing practical exposure to processing techniques that may be applied in community-based and small-scale enterprise activities.
The afternoon session covered Product Packaging and Labeling, facilitated by Mr. Jezreel Ramos, LPT, Negosyo Center Business Counselor of Jones and one of DTI Isabelaโs Product Label Designers. The session emphasized the role of appropriate packaging in product protection, presentation, market appeal, and product readiness, while highlighting the importance of accurate product information and compliance with applicable labeling requirements.
The activity underscored the value of demand-driven and inter-agency collaboration in translating agricultural production into potential value-added enterprise opportunities. Through NIA Santiago Cityโs identification of beneficiary needs, DTI Isabelaโs technical and enterprise development support, and the City Government of Santiagoโs partnership, the Santiago City Food Processing and Toll Packaging Facility provided a platform for skills development and technology demonstration. The activity was facilitated by Ms. Cris Wella Grace L. Buyagao, Negosyo Center Trade and Industry Development Assistant (NC TIDA) of the DTI IsabelaโSantiago City Satellite Office, and Engr. Christine Joyce Deocares, Engineering Assistant B of NIA Santiago City, who contributed to the coordination and implementation of the training. Through this collaborative approach, the participating irrigatorsโ associations were equipped with practical competencies that can serve as a foundation for further product development, value addition, and potential livelihood and enterprise initiatives.
Atty. Sheena Tan
DTI Region 2
DTI R2 Isabela
