DINAGAT ISLANDS — A homegrown enterprise from Dinagat Islands earned regional recognition after D’Hydroponics Farm, led by Antonieta Tuskowski, was named Top Seller in the Non-Food Category at the Coco Philippines Mindanao Trade Fair. The event was held from September 11 to 13, 2026, at Abreeza Mall in Davao City, bringing together coconut farmers, cooperatives, and micro enterprises from different parts of Mindanao. The achievement drew congratulations from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Dinagat Islands, which highlighted the recognition as a milestone for the enterprise and an opportunity to showcase the potential of Dinagatnon products to a wider market.
Dinagatnon Products Take the Regional Spotlight
D’Hydroponics Farm competed alongside exhibitors from across Mindanao, with its coconut-based non-food products earning strong market attention during the three-day trade fair. Its recognition as the category’s Top Seller placed a Dinagat Islands enterprise among the participating businesses, gaining visibility in the region’s coconut industry. The award also illustrates how locally developed products can find opportunities beyond their home province when entrepreneurs are given access to larger markets. For D’Hydroponics Farm, the trade fair provided a venue to introduce its products to consumers while representing Dinagat Islands in a regional industry event.
Creating Opportunities Through Coconut-Based Products
The success of D’Hydroponics Farm also highlights the potential of adding value to locally available agricultural resources. Instead of limiting coconut production to raw materials, enterprises can develop products that serve different consumer needs and reach broader markets. For communities involved in the coconut industry, stronger demand for locally processed products can create opportunities across the value chain, from farmers and producers to processors and small businesses.
DTI Support for Local Entrepreneurs
DTI Dinagat Islands continues to assist local enterprises through initiatives focused on market access, product development, and capacity building. These efforts help small businesses improve their products, reach potential customers, and participate in trade events where they can compete and build market connections. D’Hydroponics Farm’s recognition at the Coco Philippines Mindanao Trade Fair provides another example of how a Dinagatnon enterprise can gain regional exposure through these opportunities. Its achievement also puts the spotlight on the province’s growing pool of entrepreneurs and the potential of locally made products to reach consumers beyond Dinagat Islands.
