CITY OF MATI, Davao Oriental – Innovation has continued to play a vital role in local entrepreneurs’ growth.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) XI and Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI) have been partners in improving the products of micro-enterprises. Among their joint projects is the Regional Product Development 2025, which seeks to advance quality and marketability. The activity in Davao Oriental on May 8 has provided micro-enterprises with innovative ideas to further enhance their products.
This year, the product development focuses on the wearables and homestyle industry cluster, covering non-food products such as bags, mats, lamps, fabrics, and more. These are made from locally sourced raw materials, including pandan, rattan, various fabrics, and fossilized cacao leaves.
“The direction of the MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) right now shows that 70% of those DTI-assisted are engaged in the food industry. While providing different assistance to food businesses is straightforward, sustaining them can be challenging due to government regulations. That is why we are refocusing product development toward the wearables and homestyle clusters,” said DTI-Davao Oriental provincial director Ma. Joycelyn F. Banlasan.
“I encourage MSMEs to produce more non-food products and to intensify product presence, especially in the wearables and homestyles industry,” she added.
Product designer and consultant Anna Rosal Vergara gave both good points and opportunities for improvement through insightful critiques of the products. For the next month and a half, the participants will work on the execution and production of the new designs.
This initiative has already benefited a total of seven MSMEs in the province. Apart from product development interventions, the agency has also been providing business consultations, marketing facilitation, and entrepreneurial seminars.
It is worth noting that the Davao Oriental MSMEs are anticipated to register P130 million in sales this year. To achieve this, DTI-Davao Oriental is set to sustain its support to local MSMEs, including their participation in domestic and international trade events until the end of 2025.
For more information about DTI Davao Oriental and its services, you may visit the DTI Davao Oriental Provincial Office or contact them through their official Facebook page, DTI Davao Oriental. They can be reached, too, through telephone numbers (087) 388-3735/ (087) 811-7180, or email r11.davaooriental@dti.gov.ph.
