DTI Iloilo boosts Balud II cooperative support

The Department of Trade and Industry Iloilo Provincial Office conducted an enterprise visit to the Balud II Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Barangay Balud II, Zarraga, Iloilo, as part of its continuing commitment to empower agrarian reform beneficiaries through sustainable enterprise development.

The activity was led by Daryl Mae Lorene S. Jacar, trade industry development specialist and provincial Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program coordinator, together with Leo Siwagan, business counselor from Negosyo Center Zarraga.

The visit served as an avenue for DTI Iloilo to engage directly with the cooperative and discuss initiatives that will further strengthen its operations and improve livelihood opportunities for its members.

During the focus group discussion, the DTI team presented and discussed proposed 2026 CARP interventions designed to provide enterprise development assistance and business support services to the cooperative.

Among the topics highlighted were possible capacity-building activities, entrepreneurial assistance, market development opportunities, and other interventions that could contribute to the cooperative’s long-term sustainability and growth.

The discussion also allowed cooperative members to share their current situation, operational challenges, and priority needs, enabling the DTI team to identify appropriate programs and interventions aligned with the cooperative’s goals and development plans.

The enterprise visit forms part of DTI Iloilo’s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with agrarian reform beneficiary organizations and promote inclusive economic development in rural communities.

Through initiatives under CARP, DTI Iloilo continues to provide support mechanisms that help cooperatives and micro, small, and medium enterprises enhance their productivity, competitiveness, and overall capacity for growth.