DTI Iloilo backs kalabasa center for farmers

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SARA, Iloilo — The Department of Trade and Industry Iloilo Provincial Office joined partner agencies in signing a memorandum of agreement on June 3 for the establishment and support of the Kalabasa Processing Center for the LADAP Agrarian Reform Community in Sara, Iloilo.

LADAP stands for Lanciola, Aldeguer, Devera, Anoring, and Padios, communities covered by the agrarian reform program.

The project aims to strengthen the enterprise development capabilities of agrarian reform beneficiaries by promoting value-adding activities, product innovation, and market-oriented processing of locally grown squash, or kalabasa.

Through the processing center, LADAP ARC members are expected to increase the commercial value of their produce, diversify income sources, and become more competitive in the market.

As a key implementing partner, DTI Iloilo will provide enterprise development support, including product development, entrepreneurship assistance, market linkage facilitation, and capacity-building activities to help sustain and grow the community-based enterprise.

The collaboration brings together the Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Science and Technology, Provincial Cooperative Development Office, and Taytay sa Kauswagan Inc., reflecting a whole-of-government approach to rural enterprise development.

Present during the ceremonial signing were DAR Provincial Director Ma. Dorita Chavez, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Harriet Loot, DOST Iloilo Provincial Director Engr. Shiela Oberio, Atty. Arturo Cangrejo of the Iloilo Provincial Cooperative Development Office, and Peter M. Montalban, president and chief executive officer of TSKI.

Sara Mayor Jon “Aying” Aying also attended the activity and expressed the local government’s support for the initiative.

Aying underscored the importance of collaborative partnerships in advancing livelihood and enterprise development programs for rural communities.

The Kalabasa Processing Center forms part of broader efforts to promote value-added agriculture, strengthen local enterprises, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Through strategic partnerships and targeted enterprise interventions, the project is expected to help increase productivity, improve incomes, and enhance economic resilience among LADAP ARC members and the wider community.