BACOLOD CITY — Ten food processors in San Enrique, Negros Occidental availed of assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to improve the packaging and labeling of their respective products.
The initiative, implemented by the DTI – in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – aims to help the food processors step up from their crude packaging and labels.
Engiemar Tupas, senior trade and industry development specialist of DTI-Negros Occidental, said on Thursday their agency funded the purchase of packaging ang labeling materials while the DOST produced the designs.
The distribution of packaging and labeling materials at San Enrique Municipal Hall was held on Tuesday.
Tupas said that before the DTI stepped in, the food processors, considered as small and medium enterprises, were contented with using any available material such as plastic wrap.
“We see the need to improve their products to increase marketability. They have good products but these need improvement in terms of labeling and packaging,” he added.
Tupas said each food processor received 10 packs of packaging materials, containing 1,000 pieces per pack, and 100 pieces of labeling materials. The recipients may later reproduce the materials on their own, he added.
The 10 recipients are among the 30 food processors in San Enrique, which will soon be organized into an association.
“This year, we will cover more entrepreneurs who need improvement in their packaging and labeling with the assistance of the local government unit,” Tupas said.
He also said the DTI-Negros Occidental, through the Negosyo Centers, is planning to gather other food processors in the province to assist them in developing good packaging and labels.
Tupas said these producers should not be contented in selling their products only within their respective localities, but they should expand their markets by improving the packaging and labeling of their products first. (Erwin Nicavera/PNA)
