FIFTEEN agri-business enterprises in Guimaras got new and improved product labels and packaging design through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) project "Enhancing the Market Competitiveness of Western Visayas Agriculture and Fishery Products through Packaging Improvement."
The DOST-Western Visayas, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Western Visayas, has implemented the project in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Guimaras through the Provincial Office of Agricultural Services (Poas) since October 2020.
The beneficiaries were all DA-assisted agri-business enterprises.
Governor Samuel Gumarin; Allen Daryl F. Asuelo, DOST-Guimaras director; Lea Veloso, DA-Western Visayas representative; and Judy Bulquiren, Agriculturist II of Poas, led the turnover of the new and improved packaging materials and printed final copy of label designs to the enterprises during the awarding ceremony on February 23, 2021 at the Caza Guest House, San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.
The beneficiaries include the Bugnay OFW and Family Association, Tita Osing Delicacies, Victorino Mushroom Farm, Eleganz Cakes and Pastries, Jem Home Farm and Eco Adventure, Cruz Vineyard, LeanickAgri Farm, Marikit Garden, Mae's Farm, Guimaras Wonders, NJST Fruit Farm, Spring Bloom, Sibunag-Nueva Valencia Fisherman Cooperative, Guimaras Mango Production Marketing Enterprise and Ramzen Integrated Farm.
Gumarin stressed the importance of packaging design and product label to the products of Guimaras and to the province's economy.
"Very important and vital ang packaging. Amo ini nga ginatinguhaan sang DOST Region VI and DA Region VI nga kinahanglan may ara kita sang color u kon packaging nga iya gid ya sang Guimaras. Pareho sang identity, kun maghambal kita nga Guimaras ang madumduma namo ang aton paho. Hopefully, as we continue to fight this pandemic which gives us a lesson to fight as one, we will recover our tourism industry and economy," he said.
The project aims to enhance the market competitiveness of agri-fishery products in Western Visayas by improving the product packaging of agri-fishery products in the region, providing information and technical support mechanisms for packaging development and improving human resource capability in packaging technology.
The DOST, through the Packaging Technology Assistance Program, provides a wide range of packaging technology solutions in order to transform locally-produced goods into globally-competitive products.
The program is intended to boost the competitiveness of these products through the provision of packaging services -- from package development and trainings to laboratory and consultancy services -- among many others.
The program has assisted hundreds of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide, tapping both in-house and external experts.
The awarding ceremony was conducted in compliance with the necessary health and safety protocols to avoid the further spread of Covid-19 and other infectious diseases. (PR)