TEN small and medium enterprises (SMEs), all food processors, in San Enrique town have received packaging and labeling materials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Negros Occidental.
Engiemar Tupas, officer-in-charge chief of the Industry Development Division of DTI-Negros Occidental, said prior to the distribution Thursday, December 26, the two agencies have already provided various seminars to the recipients.
These seminars held earlier this year included product packaging and labeling, good manufacturing practices and food safety.
Tupas said the recipient-SMEs identified by the DTI received a total of 300 label stickers, 500 packaging materials specifically stand pouch, and CDs containing soft copy of the designs.
“They are actually our second batch of recipients in San Enrique,” he said, adding that the assistance will enable these food processors to position better their products in the market.
In 2018, the DTI and DOST also helped improved the packaging and labels of 10 food processors in the southern Negros Occidental locality.
Each of the food processors received 10 packs of packaging materials, at 1,000 pieces per pack, and 100 pieces of labeling materials.
In July this year, the Municipal Government of San Enrique and the DTI have opened the Otop (One Town, One Product) Store Express seen to boost food processors in the locality.
Tupas said that, like the previous recipient-food processors, the new batch of SMEs can now display and sell their products at the Otop Store Express serving as the town’s pasalubong center.
“Now that they have packaging and labels, these SMEs can also join trade fairs. Eventually, if they can further improve their products like having shelf life, they can already start displaying in big stores,” he added.
The distribution, meanwhile, was attended by local officials led by Mayor Jilson Tubillara and personnel of the two agencies in the province.