Kapawa Maasin boosts bamboo production through DTI training

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Members of Kapawa Maasin improved their technical skills in machine operation through a one-day training on Shared Service Facility (SSF) operations held on July 29, 2025, in Barangay Bolo, Maasin, Iloilo.

The activity was facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Iloilo as part of its continuing support for local micro-enterprises and the bamboo industry.

The session, titled “Basic Woodworking Equipment and Safety,” aimed to help participants safely and efficiently operate SSF woodworking machines.

The training was conducted by machine expert Peter James Fantinalgo, who provided technical input and supervised hands-on exercises.

“Skills training like this is crucial because operating machinery without the proper knowledge can lead to both safety risks and equipment misuse,” Fantinalgo said.

“Our goal is to empower local groups like Kapawa with the confidence and skills to produce quality bamboo products safely and effectively.”

The initiative aligns with DTI Iloilo’s broader push for enterprise development through capacity building, particularly in sectors with strong local potential such as bamboo.

Leading the activity were Engr. Jonathan Tejida, supervising trade-industry development specialist, and Engr. Florenda C. Abian, senior trade-industry development specialist and DTI Iloilo’s bamboo industry focal person.

Kapawa Maasin President Rubenie Castellanes thanked DTI Iloilo, noting that the training will help improve productivity and strengthen the group’s contribution to Maasin’s growing bamboo sector.