CARIGARA, Leyte - In its continued effort to support value-adding initiatives in the agriculture sector, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 8 (ATI-RTC 8), in partnership with the Municipal Agriculture Office of Carigara, conducted a three-day training on Effective Packaging and Labelling for Bananas from May 20 to 22, 2025, at the LGU Roof Deck Hall in Carigara, Leyte. This training aimed to equip local banana processors and farmers with essential marketing, packaging, and labelling skills to boost the marketability of their products and support their participation in trade fairs and local markets.
The activity opened with a warm welcome from Atty. Wenceslao Narido Jr., the Municipal Administrator of LGU Carigara, who delivered an inspiring message during the opening program. The participants were graduates of the Zero Waste Banana Processing Training held on October 23–25, 2024. This new session served as a progressive learning opportunity to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their skills, particularly in branding and promoting banana-based products.
The first day focused on essential marketing principles, introducing the participants to the definition and scope of marketing, the 5Ps of the Marketing Mix, and SWOT Analysis. In the workshop, participants created and presented mission statements representing each of the five participating associations. Ms. Jessica L. Morales, Business Counselor at the DTI Negosyo Center in Carigara, led the session.
On the second day, participants learned about Marketing Strategies in the New Normal, effective face-to-face marketing, and principles of packaging and labeling. Participants learned how to select suitable packaging for their products and explored digital tools like Canva to design their labels. In group workshops, each association developed its packaging concepts and practiced delivering one-minute elevator pitches to promote their products, helping them develop persuasive, time-efficient marketing skills.
The final day focused on consolidating the learning outcomes and encouraging participants to confidently market their improved products. A total of 30 farmers completed the training, having unlocked new potential in entrepreneurship. With their newly acquired skills in packaging and labelling, they are now better prepared to participate in local agri-trade fairs, proudly showcasing products that are not only sustainable but market-ready.
Ms. Ma. Lourdez P. Palconit, Project Officer, spearheaded the training with the support of Mr. Benjamin B. Lagaday III, Assistant Project Officer.
