The three-day trade fair of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) featuring various processed coconut products from Aurora generated about P366,000 in sales.
A total of 14 micro, small and medium enterprises and 20 Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) beneficiaries participated in the trade event held at the Baler Convention Center.
DTI Aurora Trade Industry Development Specialist Johnsen Javar said the activity aims to introduce to a wider market the products of MSMEs and those developed by local coconut farmers through the CFIDP.
These include coco jam, coco honey, coco sugar, tuba vinegar, virgin coconut oil, pakumbo, and bukayo.
“There were also products made from sabutan, turmeric, bamboo, and plants integrated in coconut farms such as cacao tablea and cacao fossilized leaf lamps,” Javar added.
On behalf of the trade fair participants, Meneriza Magtibay expressed her gratitude to DTI for assisting them in improving their products including the packaging as well as providing the opportunity to showcase them in the mainstream market.
“Prior to participating in the DTI trade exhibition, our only market consisted of walk-in residents and tourists at our Baler store. We are now meeting potential purchasers outside of Aurora and expanding our market with DTI’s guidance,” she shared.
Pursuant to Republic Act 11524, otherwise known as Coconut farmers Industry Trust Fund Act, DTI is responsible for assisting coconut growers and processors in expanding and developing their goods.
It covers industry and market research, marketing assistance, and marketing promotion. (CLJD/MAT, PIA Region 3-Aurora)