PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN – The two-day “Training on Product Development in support of Gender and Development (GAD)” spearheaded by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA on April 18-19, 2024 at ALA AMID Bed and Breakfast, Brgy. San Manuel equipped the 17 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in Palawan with essential skills on gender-inclusive development practices.
Assistant Professor Darwin O. Aniar from Palawan State University and Administrative Officer/GAD Alternate Focal Person John Edbert S. Alcobera from ATI MIMAROPA served as resource speakers, imparting knowledge on topics related to product development, market research, consumer behavior, and gender equality in product design.
The discussions highlighted the importance of integrating gender perspectives into product development processes. By acknowledging the diverse needs and experiences of different genders, it emphasized creating inclusive, accessible, and suitable products for all users.
Through workshops and practical exercises, the AEWs also learned about cost management, branding, intellectual property management, and go-to-market strategies, which are essential elements for product success in today's competitive market landscape.
In his message during the closing program of the training, Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos challenged the graduates to apply their learnings by conducting the same training in their respective municipalities, so that farmers of all genders can learn and be given the opportunity to earn.
In her impressions, Ms. Asfiah M. Sahiddin, representing the Municipal Agriculture Office of Bataraza, expressed her gratitude to ATI because the training equipped her with the tools to guide her community-based enterprises toward growth and sustainability.
“As an AEW handling four established community-based enterprises, it is important for us to learn these processes step by step to help our community address their needs in product development and marketing,” she shared.
