BUTUAN CITY — Sixteen coconut-based Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City are getting targeted support to improve how their products look, function, and compete in the market through a product packaging and labelling consultation conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte. Held on September 4, 2026, at the FSUU MIRACLE Printing Facility, a Shared Service Facility for Packaging and Labelling, the one-on-one consultations were carried out under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) in partnership with Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), through its Research and Innovation Center and the facility's designated cooperator.
Giving Coconut Products a Stronger Market Identity
The activity forms part of the CFIDP CocoDev initiative, “Redefining Packaging for Coconut Products in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City,” which focuses on helping coconut-based MSMEs develop packaging and labels that better respond to their products and target markets. During the individual consultations, participating entrepreneurs presented their existing packaging materials and label designs to the FSUU team. The technical assessment examined their packaging needs, product characteristics, regulatory requirements, target consumers, and brand identities. Each of the 16 beneficiary-MSMEs will receive a digital printed packaging kit worth PHP 40,000 per product, covering consultation, physical prototyping, and high-volume printing. This support gives local entrepreneurs an opportunity to improve their packaging while receiving technical guidance tailored to their individual products.
Packaging as a Gateway to Wider Markets
The recommendations generated during the consultations will guide the development and enhancement of the participating MSMEs' packaging and labelling. Beyond improving visual appeal, the intervention aims to ensure that packaging is functional, consumer-friendly, and aligned with market requirements. Better packaging can help products stand out on store shelves, communicate their brand identity more effectively, and provide consumers with clearer product information. For growing enterprises, these improvements can play an important role in preparing locally produced coconut products for expanded market opportunities. The beneficiary-MSMEs are Amamio Farm Products, Butuan Coconut Products Inc., Libas Farmers MPC, Deseo Food Products, BG's Coconut Charcoal Trading, A.R.D.A. Integrated Farm, Jagupit Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (JCFAC), De Oro Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (DARBECO), CountryFields Agri, 4J's Coconut Products Manufacturing, Culit Multipurpose Cooperative, Imelda Mar Food Products, Nanie's Food Products, Agusan Processors Agriculture Cooperative (APACO), FroiJhil Sweets, and Farmer for Peace and Progress Agriculture Cooperative (FPPAC). Through CFIDP CocoDev, DTI Agusan del Norte continues to provide product development assistance designed around the actual needs of coconut-based enterprises, helping local MSMEs strengthen their products, improve their market presentation, and take steps toward reaching more consumers.
