DTI Guimaras levels up MSMEs with trail mix training

JORDAN, Guimaras — The Department of Trade and Industry’s Guimaras Provincial Office conducted a three-day Trail Mix with Coconut Strips Training from July 8–10, 2026, as part of National Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Month.

The training was held at the Agri-Fishery Center at the Provincial Office for Agricultural Services compound in the Capitol Grounds, San Miguel, Jordan.

The activity was implemented under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan through the Food Connect Progression and Enhancement through Market Cliniquing initiative and the Industry Cluster Enhancement Program.

DTI Guimaras conducted the training in partnership with the Provincial Office for Agricultural Services.

A total of 26 participants representing coconut, processed fruit and nut, coffee, and cacao enterprises, as well as cooperatives, associations, and other MSMEs, completed the activity.

Food consultant Ma. Leah Danasco led hands-on sessions on product development, innovation, costing, and pricing using locally available ingredients.

Participants developed four product prototypes: a protein bar, trail mix with coconut strips, trail mix with pinipig, and trail mix without coconut strips and pinipig.

The Provincial Office for Agricultural Services also provided training kits to help participants apply their newly acquired skills.

The Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan operates under Republic Act 11524, with DTI responsible for implementing research, marketing, and market promotion initiatives designed to strengthen coconut-based enterprises.

The activity is part of DTI Guimaras’ continuing efforts to improve the competitiveness of local MSMEs through value-added processing, product innovation, and the development of market-ready food products using the province’s agricultural resources.