DTI VIII RAPID Growth Project

19/08/2026

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 Leyte 𝗖𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 🌱🍫

📅 August 12–13, 2026 | Baybay City, Leyte

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Leyte Provincial Office, through the RAPID Growth Project, conducted the Capacity Building for Cacao Technical Servicing Providers, equipping 10 participants with practical knowledge and skills on cacao regenerative farming, integrated pest and disease management, climate-resilient production technologies, business opportunities, and Gender-Environmental, Social, and Governance (G-ESG) principles.

Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, participants gained practical experience in applying Biological Control Agents (BCAs), particularly Trichoderma and Trichogramma, with support from the Regional Crop Protection Center 8 (RCPC 😎 – Eastern Visayas. These technologies introduced participants to environmentally sustainable approaches to pest and disease management that can be applied at the farm level.

The participants were also introduced to Cacao Regenerative Farming System technologies, emphasizing sustainable soil and farm management practices, climate resilience, resource conservation, and improved farm productivity. They likewise gained insights into business and livelihood opportunities in cacao farming, particularly in pursuing roles as cacao technical service providers and community-based farmer-extension workers.

Another important component of the training was the integration of G-ESG principles into cacao production and extension work. Participants learned the importance of promoting gender-responsive and inclusive participation, environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and good governance in cacao farming communities and organizations.

🤝 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗜𝗗 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀

As part of the RAPID Growth Project's sustainability and exit strategy, the 10 participants signed a Pledge of Commitment to serve as RAPID Agri Extension Workers. Beyond simply re-echoing the training, they committed to actively share technologies, provide technical support and coaching, and help bring knowledge and innovations closer to cacao farmers and Farmer Organizations in their respective communities.

🤝 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗧𝗜–𝗩𝗦𝗨 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

A significant highlight of the activity was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DTI and Visayas State University (VSU), strengthening institutional collaboration in research, extension, technology transfer, and capacity-building for the development of the cacao industry in Leyte.

The partnership involves the VSU Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science (FAFS), Soil Science, Horticulture, and Pest Management, bringing together academic and technical expertise to support research-based interventions, farmer training, extension services, technology adoption, and knowledge transfer.

The MOA provides a stronger platform for sustained collaboration beyond the RAPID Growth Project, helping ensure that technical knowledge, research-based technologies, and extension support will continue to reach cacao farmers and organizations in the province.

The collaboration also strengthens the connection between academe, government, research and extension institutions, and farmer organizations, creating opportunities for continued technology development, field application, technical servicing, and capacity building.

💚 𝗔 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗲𝘆𝘁𝗲'𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆

Through the leadership of the DTI Leyte Provincial Office - Provincial Director Dr. Faustino "Jojo" V. Gayas Jr., DMT , represented by the Business Development Division – OIC Chief - Diana M. Quiza, DTI remains committed to advancing the local cacao industry in the Province of Leyte through technology transfer, capacity building, sustainable production, enterprise development, market-oriented interventions, and strengthened partnerships.

By developing competent cacao technical service providers and RAPID Agri Extension Workers, strengthening institutional partnerships, and promoting regenerative and G-ESG-responsive farming practices, DTI continues to build a stronger foundation for a sustainable, resilient, inclusive, and competitive cacao value chain in Leyte.

Together with VSU, RCPC 8–Department of Agriculture - Eastern Visayas, cacao farmers, Farmer Organizations, and other industry stakeholders, DTI is cultivating not only better cacao farms, but also a stronger network of people, knowledge, technologies, and partnerships that will help drive the cacao industry forward. 🌱🤝🍫

Together, we grow knowledge. We strengthen partnerships. We empower cacao communities. And we build a better future for Leyte's cacao industry.

03/08/2026

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

📅 July 22–23, 2026
📍 Jaro, Leyte

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Leyte Provincial Office, through the Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project, successfully conducted the Training on Coconut Processing and Value Addition Technologies, reaffirming its commitment to transforming the local coconut industry through innovation, technology transfer, and inclusive enterprise development.

The two-day capacity-building activity brought together youth, cooperative members, and partner farmers of KAMMPIL AgriCoop, equipping them with practical skills to convert coconut by-products into high-value products while creating new livelihood and enterprise opportunities within their communities.

The training commenced with a hands-on session on Coco Peat and Coco Coir Production, attended by 22 youth endorsed by KAMMPIL AgriCoop. Beyond developing technical competencies, the activity aimed to prepare the next generation of skilled workers who will support the cooperative's future operations. By investing in youth, the initiative ensures sustained technology transfer, strengthens local expertise, and cultivates future champions of the coconut industry.

On the second day, 30 men and women from KAMMPIL AgriCoop's five partner Farmer Organizations (FOs) participated in the Coco Shell Handicraft Production training. Identified as a key technology transfer intervention under the Desiccated Coconut Detailed Investment Plan (DIP), the activity showcased how coconut by-products can be transformed into marketable handicrafts, enabling farming communities to diversify their income sources, reduce production waste, and unlock greater economic value from every harvested coconut.

The activity likewise highlighted the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles of the RAPID Growth Project by ensuring equal opportunities for women, men, and youth to participate in skills enhancement, technology adoption, and enterprise development. Through inclusive capacity-building initiatives, DTI continues to foster resilient, productive, and empowered rural communities where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to local economic growth.

Through live demonstrations and intensive hands-on workshops, participants gained valuable knowledge on sustainable processing technologies, product innovation, and value addition—enhancing their readiness to develop competitive coconut-based enterprises that respond to evolving market demands.

In his closing message, Provincial Director Dr. Faustino "Jojo" V. Gayas Jr., DMT inspired participants to view every coconut not merely as an agricultural commodity but as a source of limitless economic opportunities. He encouraged them to maximize available resources, embrace innovation, continuously improve product quality, explore new markets, create employment opportunities, and work collectively towards building a stronger, more competitive, and sustainable KAMMPIL AgriCoop.

As DTI Leyte continues to implement the RAPID Growth Project, it remains steadfast in advancing technology transfer, enterprise innovation, value addition, and inclusive economic development. By empowering coconut stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed, the project contributes to a more competitive, resilient, and sustainable coconut industry that uplifts farming communities and drives countryside development in Leyte.

Together, we are transforming every coconut into greater opportunities, stronger enterprises, and a more prosperous future for Leyte's farming communities.

22/07/2026

🚀 𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗡𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗬 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗙𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗘-𝗔𝗗𝗗𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗟𝗘𝗬𝗧𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦
📅 July 7–8, 2026
📍 Javier, Leyte

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Leyte Provincial Office, through the RAPID Growth Project, successfully conducted the Technology Transfer and Value-Added Training for Leyte Cacao Stakeholders, bringing together cacao farmers, cooperatives, MSMEs, and industry partners to promote innovation and sustainable enterprise development in the local cacao sector.

Provincial Director Dr. Faustino “Jojo” V. Gayas Jr. opened the activity by emphasizing the vital role of technology transfer and value addition in enhancing the competitiveness of Leyte’s cacao industry and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

Participants gained valuable insights into the current state of the Philippine cacao industry, emerging market opportunities, and the importance of improving bean quality and productivity. They also learned innovative technologies for utilizing cacao by-products, transforming cacao sweating and pod husks into marketable products such as beverages, vinegar, ethanol, and fuel briquettes.

Hands-on demonstrations enabled participants to acquire practical skills in producing eco-friendly cacao pod husk briquettes and crafting fossilized cacao leaves into decorative and commercial items. To support technology adoption, each participant received a Cacao Fossilized Leaves Processing Starter Kit for continued practice and enterprise development in their communities. The training likewise featured a showcase of cacao processing technologies and equipment developed by PHilMech.

The activity concluded with participants expressing renewed commitment to adopt value-adding and sustainable processing technologies, paving the way for increased incomes, reduced waste, and more resilient cacao-based enterprises in Leyte. Through the RAPID Growth Project, DTI Leyte remains steadfast in empowering cacao stakeholders and fostering a more competitive and sustainable local cacao industry.

22/07/2026

Growing Resilience, Cultivating Inclusive Growth!

Recognizing that climate resilience is no longer an option but a necessity for enterprise growth, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project, successfully completed three batches of the Training on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) on June 23–24 in Mondragon, Northern Samar, July 8–9 in Bontoc, Southern Leyte, and July 20–21 in Ormoc City, Leyte.

Bringing together 90 smallholder farmers and members of Farmers' Organizations (FOs) who are beneficiaries of the approved Detailed Investment Plans (DIPs) from each province, the training went beyond introducing climate-smart farming practices. It empowered participants to understand climate risks, translate knowledge into practical farm action plans, and make informed decisions that will help secure farm productivity, improve the quality and consistency of agricultural produce, and strengthen the supply base that drives competitive coconut- and cacao-based enterprises under the RAPID Growth Project.
Because when farmers are empowered to adapt, enterprises are empowered to grow—and communities become stronger because of both.

06/07/2026

🚀 𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧 𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗚𝗥𝗜𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗨𝗥𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛 𝗬𝗘𝗣 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗧𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗚 𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗨𝗥𝗦 (𝗕𝗬𝗘)

📅 June 22–25, 2026
📍 Hotel de Fides, Tacloban City

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Leyte Provincial Office, through the Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development (RAPID) Growth Project, successfully conducted the Strengthening UPGRADE Youth Hub through the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) – Bootcamp for Young Entrepreneurs (BYE) on June 22–25, 2026 at Hotel de Fides, Tacloban City.

As the fourth major capacity-building intervention under the YOUTH UPGRADE Program (Unlocking Potential for Growth, Resilience, and Agripreneurship Development & Empowerment), the Bootcamp gathered sixteen (16) Youth Champions representing the coconut and cacao value chains to further strengthen their entrepreneurial competencies and prepare them to become future agripreneurs and community leaders.

Building on the participants' previous learning from the Youth Training of Trainers (TOT), Youth Hub Re-Echo Sessions, and the Youth Entrepreneurship Program – You Can Be Your Own Boss (BYOB), the four-day Bootcamp featured a series of interactive workshops and learning sessions facilitated by DTI in-house resource persons and facilitators. Participants enhanced their knowledge and practical skills in design thinking, business model development, marketing strategies, digital transformation, operations management, financial management, costing and pricing, business pitching, and sustainable enterprise development.

A major highlight of the Bootcamp was the development of each participant's Business Model Canvas (BMC) and Draft Business Plan, anchored on innovative agribusiness solutions within the coconut and cacao value chains. These outputs will serve as the primary basis for the RAPID Growth Project's succeeding interventions, including business mentoring, market linkage, investment readiness, business pitching, and enterprise development support.

In his opening message, DTI Leyte Provincial Director Faustino V. Gayas, Jr., DMT, emphasized that the Bootcamp is more than a training program—it is an investment in the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders. He underscored the vital role of MSMEs as the backbone of the Philippine economy and encouraged the participants to transform their innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises that generate employment, strengthen local industries, and contribute to inclusive economic growth within their communities.

The successful completion of the YEP Bootcamp marks another significant milestone of the RAPID Growth Project's UPGRADE Youth Champions Program, reaffirming DTI Leyte's commitment to developing innovative, resilient, and socially responsible young agripreneurs who will help drive the sustainable growth and competitiveness of the coconut and cacao industries in Leyte.

25/05/2026

25/05/2026

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25/05/2026

16/12/2025

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Leyte, through the RAPID Growth Project Provincial Coordination Unit (PCU), successfully conducted the PCU Leyte Coordination Meeting cm Ceremonial Distribution of Matching Grant for the SALT Area Expansion of the Leyte Cacao Farmers’ Organization on 15 December 2025 in Calubian, Leyte.

The activity formally marked the distribution of matching grant support to the Calubian Cacao Coconut Agriculture Cooperative (CCCAC), benefiting 34 farmer-members who expressed their strong commitment to support DTI Leyte’s initiatives toward the expansion and strengthening of the cacao industry in the Province of Leyte. A total of 12,396 cacao seedlings will be distributed to CCCAC members to support increased production and sustainable farm development.

The program was highlighted by a Welcome Message from DTI Leyte Provincial Director Faustino V. Gayas Jr., DMT, and a Message of Support from Hon. Marciano A. Batiancela Jr., Municipal Mayor of Calubian, underscoring the strong partnership between DTI and the Local Government Unit. The activity concluded with a message of commitment from the farmers, delivered by CCCAC Chairman Primitivo Pairez, reaffirming their support for the continued growth of the local cacao industry.