BAYBAY CITY, Leyte - To strengthen the competitiveness of local rice products in the market, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 8 (ATI-RTC 8), in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 8, conducted the Women in Rice: Packaging and Labelling of Rice Products training on August 13–15, 2025 at ATI-RTC 8, VSU Campus, Baybay City, Leyte.
The Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office 8 (DA-RFO 8) identified three Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs): (1) Tigbao–Bolongtohan Irrigators Association, (2) Camote Farmers Association, and (3) Lateral A East Irrigators Association as beneficiaries of the trading capital grant and active participants in KADIWA activities in Leyte Province. These clusters faced challenges in proper product packaging and labelling while engaged in rice trading.
The training aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills in product packaging, labelling, and marketing strategies—empowering them to enhance product presentation, ensure compliance with market standards, and create competitive branding for their rice products.
Over the three-day session, Ms. Jessica L. Morales, Business Counselor from the Negosyo Center, Carigara, Leyte, served as the resource person, led interactive discussions and hands-on workshops on packaging techniques, labelling requirements, and effective marketing approaches.
“Thank you for the opportunity given to our association to take part in this training. We are also grateful to our association president for choosing us to be the representatives in this 3-day training. We have learned so much, especially about the proper processes in product labeling and packaging. These insights will greatly help us enhance the presentation of our products and contribute to the growth of our association. We are committed to sharing the knowledge we gained with our fellow members who were not able to attend,” shared Ms. Anita N. Suyom of CFA Dulag, Leyte, one of the participants.
A total of 31 women members from clustered rice associations in Dulag and Alangalang, Leyte successfully completed the training, gaining valuable insights to improve their businesses. The training was spearheaded by Ms. Mary Jane P. Pepe, DMO I (Project Officer), and assisted by Ms. Fe Rovelyn H. Ruales, Technical Support Staff IV (Assistant Project Officer).
Through this collaborative effort, ATI-RTC 8, DTI Region 8, and DA-RFO 8 continue to empower women in rice enterprises, equipping them with the tools and confidence to enhance product quality, strengthen market presence, and contribute to the sustained growth of the local rice industry.
