THE Department of Trade and Industry in the Cordillera has incorporated the promotion of green economic development (ProGED) in its programs for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.

DTI Cordillera Director Myrna Pablo said ProGED aims to enhance the competitiveness of the MSMEs especially in the production of coffee, cacao, processed food and wearable and homestyle products.

Recently, about 40 participants from the Cordillera attended a workshop on ProGED in Baguio City.

The training focused on livelihood recovery, rehabilitation and integration of green growth to the MSME operations. 

Among the speakers were Celestina Arvisu of Cafe by the Ruins, Elmer Macalingay of Health 101 food chain and Angelisa Calalo of Naduma Enterprises.

Arvisu detailed how her team implements green business practices by patronizing organic products instead of processed and canned goods. 

Since Cafe by the ruins specializes in home style recipes and fresh organic veggies, Arvisu also said that they cut costs by filtering their own water supply and using natural seasonings instead of commercially available ones. 

Macalingay said his organization wants to be certified as a green restaurant by popularizing 100 percent organic foods. 

Calalo shared the importance of right tools and raw materials. For her enterprise that produces wearables and clothings, Calalo values zero waste management and stressed the benefits of eco-friendly goods and services and by putting value to the use of precision tools. Art Tibaldo