DTI Guimaras trains MSMEs on trail mix products

JORDAN, Guimaras — The Department of Trade and Industry Guimaras Provincial Office conducted a three-day training on producing trail mix with coconut strips from July 8–10, 2026, as part of the celebration of National MSME Month.

The training was held at the Agri-Fishery Center in San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.

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 of Guimaras.

The Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan is intended to support the development of the coconut industry and create more opportunities for coconut farmers and enterprises through programs that include product development and value-adding activities.

A total of 26 participants from coconut, processed fruit and nut, coffee, and cacao enterprises, cooperatives, associations, and micro, small and medium enterprises completed the three-day activity.

Through hands-on sessions facilitated by food consultant Ma. Leah Danasco, participants gained practical skills in product development, innovation, costing, and pricing using locally available ingredients.

The training produced four product prototypes: a protein bar, trail mix with coconut strips, trail mix with pinipig, and trail mix without coconut strips or pinipig.

Participants also received training kits from the Provincial Office for Agricultural Services to help them apply their newly acquired skills.

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

Editor’s note: The original caption identifies the venue as the Agri-Fishery Center Building at the Capitol Grounds, while the story identifies it as the Agri-Fishery Center at the POAS Compound. The venue description should be verified for consistency before publication.