Legazpi City, Albay – In support of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region V Extension Office successfully conducted the Training on Product Development: Packaging, Labeling, and Branding for Market Competitiveness in Coconut Farmers Cooperatives (CFCs) in Albay, Catanduanes and Sorsogon (AlCatSor) on August 4–6, 2026, at La Piazza Hotel, Legazpi City, Albay. The three-day capacity-building activity gathered 140 participants, consisting of officers and members from 41 CFCs in AlCatSor, together with technical personnel from the Cooperative Development Authority. The training was designed to strengthen the capabilities of coconut farmers cooperatives in developing market-ready coconut-based food and non-food products through improved packaging, compliant product labeling, and strategic branding. It forms part of the government’s continuing efforts under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) to enhance the productivity, profitability, and competitiveness of Coconut Farmers Cooperatives by promoting value addition, enterprise development, and market expansion. Specifically, the training aimed to enable participants to:

• Develop market-ready coconut-based food and non-food products using appropriate packaging techniques;
• Apply mandatory product labeling requirements in compliance with existing laws and regulations;
• Utilize effective branding strategies to improve product competitiveness, marketability, and consumer recognition; and
• Enhance the overall quality and commercial value of coconut-based products to increase market opportunities for cooperatives.

   

The activity featured experts from partner agencies who shared their technical knowledge and industry expertise. Mr. Cristopher G. Millena from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region V, discussed the overview of product development under the CFIDP, the fundamentals of product packaging, and proper packaging and labeling for coconut-based food and non-food products. Mr. Alfonso M. Peñol Jr., Director from the Bicol University (BU) Fab Lab introduced participants to product prototyping, digital fabrication technologies, and innovative product design, while Ms. Charlotte Ragas from Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- Albay discussed branding, market positioning, packaging design, and strategies for expanding market access.

The Cooperative Development Authority also emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance. Ms. Maricho T. Pobre, Sr. CDS- SES of CDA discussed the mandatory reportorial requirements of cooperatives, highlighting the timely submission of reports necessary for the issuance of the Certificate of Compliance (COC). She stressed that maintaining a valid COC is not only a statutory obligation but is likewise one of the requirements for Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) accreditation, enabling Coconut Farmers Cooperatives to qualify for government assistance and programs under the CFIDP. Throughout the three-day activity, participants actively engaged in lectures, discussions, and workshops, exchanging best practices and learning practical approaches to improve the quality, presentation, and marketability of their coconut-based products. In his closing remarks, Mr. Larry L. Villaluz, Sr., CDS of CPDAS, shared words of encouragement with the Coconut Farmers’ Cooperatives (CFCs), urging them to maximize the subsidies and assistance available under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). He also expressed his sincere gratitude to all participants for their active engagement, unwavering support, and valuable contributions, which helped make the activity a success. The productive conduct of the training underscores the strong collaboration among the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Bicol University Fab Lab, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in empowering Coconut Farmers Cooperatives through innovation, product development, and regulatory compliance. By equipping cooperatives with enhanced technical knowledge and business skills, the initiative contributes to building a more competitive, sustainable, and resilient coconut industry in the Bicol Region.