MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — In a bid to tap the potential of the wearables and homestyle industry in Davao Oriental, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here has partnered with the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI) to train local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in product development.
Through a series of consultations and training sessions, ten MSMEs in the province were introduced to innovative product concepts under the wearables and homestyle cluster, enabling them to enhance the quality and marketability of their existing products while exploring new design possibilities.
Anchored on the Regional Product Development 2025 program, the initiative is part of the strategic shift from the traditionally food-focused sector toward non-food items such as bags, mats, lamps, fabrics, and other handcrafted home and fashion goods.
This approach specifically promotes the use of locally sourced materials such as pandan, rattan, a variety of textiles, and fossilized cacao leaves, highlighting the province’s potential in sustainable and culturally rooted design.
DTI Davao Oriental provincial director Ma. Joycelyn F. Banlasan emphasized that it is high time to shift focus from the food industry, noting that while MSMEs in the sector receive consistent support, they often struggle with sustainability due to strict government regulations.
“We are now refocusing product development toward the wearables and homestyle clusters. I encourage MSMEs to explore these industries and enhance their product visibility in both domestic and international markets,” Banlasan said.
DTI has rolled out a range of support packages for MSMEs venturing into this industry cluster. These include marketing facilitation, entrepreneurial training, and business consultations aimed at boosting product quality, market reach, and business sustainability.
With these interventions in place, DTI Davao projects that MSMEs in the province could generate ₱130 million in sales by 2025.
At present, seven local MSMEs have already benefited from the program. (Antonio Oblianda / DTI Davao Oriental)
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