DTI ELEVATES MSMEs’ PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES AND DESIGN SKILLS IN CAGAYAN

CAGAYAN, Philippines – To help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) stay competitive in the domestic and global markets, the Department of Trade and Industry Region 2 (DTI R2) held a webinar on design trends and product development appreciation for non-food sector MSMEs via Zoom on 14 June 2024.

This was aimed at developing new product designs using and incorporating raw materials, including driftwood, corn husk, rice straw, pine needles and cones, and other sustainable raw materials that are abundant in the region and also represent lands and seas.

DTI R2 SME Development Division OIC-Chief Desiree Angolluan emphasized the comprehensive effort of the agency in enhancing local crafts through product development initiatives. “We need to capacitate MSMEs in terms of processes in product development and different design trends in the local and international markets to ensure that their products, especially in terms of designs and functionality, are in sync with the current trends,” she said.

More than 20 MSMEs were trained on the latest design concepts, design inspiration collections, and samples such as marine life-inspired pouch bags, floral-inspired handbags, and seashell-inspired table laps, among others.

The learning session also included product development, innovation objectives, manufacturing tips, and the importance of corporate identity and product marketing.

Moving forward, the product development session will focus on ongoing product design execution and follow-up monitoring, such as virtual and onsite consultation, design presentation, and prototype checking, with the assistance of DTI R2 Regional and Provincial Product Development Officers.