RAPID Growth Project - Agusan del Sur

07/10/2026

𝐃𝐓𝐈–𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐄𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐃-𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐅𝐒𝐔𝐔 𝐌𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐋𝐄 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭
BUTUAN CITY — Eight micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) assisted by the Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development (RAPID) Growth Project–Agusan del Sur participated in a learning and benchmarking visit to the FSUU MIRACLE Packaging Innovation Facility in Butuan City, exploring packaging solutions suited to their products, production requirements, and budgets.
Facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–Agusan del Sur through the RAPID Growth Project, the activity aimed to strengthen participating enterprises’ understanding of packaging innovation, labeling, and branding while connecting them with services that can support product development and market readiness.
During the visit, participants directly engaged with FSUU MIRACLE, a DTI Shared Service Facility (SSF) cooperator, to inquire about its packaging and printing services. Discussions focused on minimum order quantities (MOQ), pricing, and costing—practical considerations for enterprises seeking to improve product presentation while managing production expenses.
These exchanges helped participants explore available packaging options and assess their suitability for their respective businesses. Understanding order requirements and service costs provides MSMEs with a clearer basis for planning packaging investments, especially when balancing limited production volumes with the need for consistent and attractive product presentation.
The learning visit also provided insights into the role of packaging, labeling, and branding in developing products for wider markets. Beyond protecting a product, packaging helps communicate its identity and value, while clear labels provide essential information to consumers. Together, these elements contribute to a more recognizable brand and a stronger presentation to potential buyers.
For local enterprises, access to packaging technology and service providers can help address challenges associated with product development. Limited technical expertise, printing options, and financial resources may affect an MSME’s ability to introduce packaging improvements. Connecting entrepreneurs with a shared service facility gives them an opportunity to discuss these concerns and explore services appropriate to their business needs.
The engagement with FSUU MIRACLE provided a practical setting for participants to relate packaging concepts to their own products. By discussing service requirements directly with the facility, the MSMEs gained information that can guide future decisions on packaging design, printing quantities, and production budgeting.
The activity forms part of DTI–Agusan del Sur’s efforts to support enterprise development through access to technology, technical knowledge, and institutional partnerships. It also reflects the complementary roles of the RAPID Growth Project and the SSF program in helping enterprises strengthen their capabilities and prepare for market opportunities.
Under the RAPID Growth Project, improved packaging and branding are intended to support the development of competitive and market-oriented agro-enterprises. The visit contributes to this objective by helping participating MSMEs identify possible improvements and understand the resources available to support their implementation.
Building on the learning activity, participating enterprises are encouraged to assess their existing packaging and labeling, identify priority improvements, and consider suitable services based on their operational capacity and target markets. These steps can help translate the information gained during the visit into practical product development decisions.
Through initiatives such as this learning and benchmarking visit, DTI–Agusan del Sur and the RAPID Growth Project continue to support MSMEs in improving product presentation, strengthening their competitiveness, and preparing to reach wider markets.

05/10/2026

𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐃 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢-𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫

The DTI Agusan del Sur–RAPID Growth Project convened an Interagency Coordination Meeting on September 30, 2026, to identify continuing support for farmer organizations, cooperatives, and micro, small, and medium enterprises as the Project moves toward its sustainability and exit phase.

Through a sustainability mapping workshop, partners identified programs and resources that could sustain interventions across the Project’s four priority commodities: calamansi, cacao, coffee, and coconut. Discussions covered enterprise development, production support, market access, financing, crop insurance, technology adoption, and organizational strengthening.

The workshop identified opportunities to connect beneficiaries with cooperative training, food innovation and processing assistance, agricultural extension services, credit programs, and DTI enterprise development initiatives. Proposed support also included farm-to-market road development and coconut planting materials for 2027.

Convergence planning focused on four areas—people, programs, resources, and markets—to guide capacity building, integration into existing agency programs, access to funding and facilities, and stronger buyer linkages.

Guided by the draft Sustainability and Convergence Commitment’s principle, “From Project Support to Sustainable Local Ownership,” the activity emphasized shared responsibility for sustaining RAPID-assisted enterprises and value chains beyond project implementation.

Through continued coordination, DTI Agusan del Sur–RAPID Growth Project seeks to connect farmers and enterprises with opportunities that support lasting business growth and improved livelihoods.

16/09/2026

LOOK: Agusan del Sur Delegates Join Training on Labor-Based Technology for Sustainable Rural Roads

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Delegates from Agusan del Sur participated in the Training of Trainers on Labor-Based Technology (LBT) for Road Rehabilitation and Maintenance organized by the DTI–RAPID Growth Project National Project Coordination Office (NPCO) on September 7–11, 2026, at London Beach Resort, Siguel, General Santos City.

Their participation was coordinated by the DTI–Agusan del Sur Provincial Office through the RAPID Growth Project. The delegation included Engr. Juvylyn Bitang and Engr. Zeraul Jun Luarez of the Municipal Engineering Office of LGU Sta. Josefa, representatives from LGU Las Nieves, and RAPID Provincial Coordinator for Agusan del Sur Dinah Abapo.

They joined Regional Project Coordinator Roland Ignacio, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Karl Lawrence Gonzalez, and other RAPID Growth Project participants.

The five-day training focused on labor-based approaches to rural road rehabilitation, maintenance, monitoring, and evaluation.

A key component of the activity was a hands-on inspection of a 500-meter section of an existing barangay concrete road with substantial road distress. Participants used prescribed assessment tools to evaluate road conditions, document their findings, and identify appropriate maintenance interventions.

The training also enhanced the delegates’ technical, presentation, and facilitation skills, preparing them to cascade their LBT knowledge to LGUs, project personnel, and other stakeholders.

The knowledge gained will help strengthen the maintenance of Farm-to-Market Infrastructure supporting Agusan del Sur’s priority value chains, including cacao, coffee, coconut, calamansi, and processed fruits and nuts.

Through the RAPID Growth Project, DTI–Agusan del Sur continues to connect provincial stakeholders with capacity-building opportunities that help sustain rural infrastructure and keep local value chains moving.

PIA - Agusan del Sur DTI Caraga DTI Philippines Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur DXGP 89.7 FM Agusan Radio XFM 91.3 San Francisco - Agusan del Sur 100.1 Nonglading Infinite Radio San Francisco RAPID Growth Project - Caraga Negosyo Center Sta. Josefa

09/09/2026

𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘 | 𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐏 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫

The DTI RAPID Growth Project – PCU Agusan del Sur is conducting the Exit Strategy and Sustainability Planning (ESSP) Consultation today, September 9, 2026, at Del’s Hotel, Grill & Restaurant, Barangay Karaus, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

The consultation brings together 20 representatives from Farmers’ Organizations (FOs) and MSME beneficiaries under the four priority commodities of the RAPID Growth Project: Calamansi, Cacao, Coffee, and Coconut.

Through this activity, DTI RAPID Growth Project – Agusan del Sur strengthens partnerships and sustainability mechanisms toward lasting enterprise growth and improved livelihoods beyond project implementation.

09/09/2026

𝐈𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐈| 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐓𝐈 𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫 – 𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐃 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐛𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐝, 𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫.

The activity provided participating farmers with an interactive learning experience focused on entrepreneurial thinking, decision-making, resource management, and enterprise development. Through the game-based approach, participants were encouraged to apply business concepts, assess situations, and understand how strategic decisions can influence enterprise outcomes.
The activity supports the RAPID Growth Project’s efforts to strengthen farmers’ capacity to become more market-oriented, entrepreneurial, and competitive agricultural enterprises.

08/09/2026

𝑰𝑪𝒀𝑴𝑰: 𝑯𝑬𝑫𝑭𝑨 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝟓𝟔 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒓𝒔

The Hillstribe Economic Development Farmers Association (HEDFA) took another step toward expanding its coffee production with the successful delivery of 56 sacks of complete (14-14-14) basal fertilizer on September 7, 2026, at Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

The farm inputs form part of the Matching Grant Program under the Coffee Detailed Investment Plan (DIP), an intervention facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry – Agusan del Sur through the RAPID Growth Project. The support is intended to assist HEDFA in the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of coffee farm areas, particularly the targeted 28-hectare expansion covered by the intervention.

The delivery of the fertilizer is expected to contribute to improved farm establishment and maintenance, supporting the productivity of participating coffee farmers as they work toward expanding their production areas. The intervention also forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the local coffee value chain and promote the long-term sustainability of the coffee sector in Agusan del Sur.

The successful delivery underscores the continuing collaboration between HEDFA and the DTI-Agusan del Sur through the RAPID Growth Project in advancing coffee production and strengthening the capacity of farmer organizations. Through interventions under the Matching Grant Program, farmers are provided with support aligned with their identified enterprise needs and development plans.
With the 28-hectare coffee farm expansion underway, HEDFA continues to move toward increased production capacity and a more sustainable coffee enterprise, contributing to the development of the local coffee industry in the province.





DTI Caraga RAPID Growth Project - Caraga PIA - Agusan del Sur

08/09/2026

🚧 ATM | Building Skills for Better Rural Roads

The LGU of Sta. Josefa is participating in the Training of Trainers (TOT) on Labor-Based Technology (LBT) for Road Rehabilitation and Maintenance, held September 7–11, 2026 in General Santos City.

Representing the LGU are Engr. Juvylyn Bitang and Engr. Zeraul Jun Luarez.

The training highlights:
🔹 Labor-based road rehabilitation using community labor with light equipment
🔹 Proper work sequencing and construction methods
🔹 Routine, periodic, and special road maintenance
🔹 Strengthening road monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability

The knowledge gained will help strengthen the LGU’s capacity to build, maintain, and sustain quality rural roads for the community.

ATM | September 7–11, 2026 | General Santos City

04/09/2026

Introducing the newly rebranded !

Our Friday feature continues to put the spotlight on products from DTI Caraga-assisted MSMEs - local finds worth discovering, enjoying, and supporting.

🍫 This Friday’s Find: Tableya de Claudia Cacao Tablets by De Claudia's Food Processing

Experience the rich, authentic taste of Philippine cacao with handcrafted tableya made from 100% pure, locally grown cacao beans. Traditionally fermented and small-batch processed, each cup brings out the distinct flavors of cacao grown in Agusan del Sur.

📍 De Claudia's Food Processing, P5 Poblacion, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur | 📱 09127366740

Also available at:
📍 OTOP Philippines Hub, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur |
📱 09303466289



@

Introducing the newly rebranded !

Our Friday feature continues to put the spotlight on products from DTI Caraga-assisted MSMEs - local finds worth discovering, enjoying, and supporting.

🍫 This Friday’s Find: Tableya de Claudia Cacao Tablets by De Claudia's Food Processing

Experience the rich, authentic taste of Philippine cacao with handcrafted tableya made from 100% pure, locally grown cacao beans. Traditionally fermented and small-batch processed, each cup brings out the distinct flavors of cacao grown in Agusan del Sur.

📍 De Claudia's Food Processing, P5 Poblacion, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur | 📱 09127366740

Also available at:
📍 OTOP Philippines Hub, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur |
📱 09303466289

04/09/2026

𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝: 𝐃𝐓𝐈-𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐃 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐬

𝑨𝑮𝑼𝑺𝑨𝑵 𝑫𝑬𝑳 𝑺𝑼𝑹 — For many micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), a good product is only the beginning. Standing out on the shelf, earning consumer trust, and protecting a business name are equally important steps toward growth.

To help local enterprises move closer to these goals, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Sur, through the RAPID Growth Project, has released brand kits to seven assisted MSMEs following the Brand Equity: Brand Management and Intellectual Property Rights Workshop for MSMEs.

The beneficiaries are Khans Food Products, Bernolia Farm Products, Mili Agri Products, Prince Cacao Food Manufacturing, Francis Berachah Integrated Farm, Magkiangkang Multipurpose Cooperative, and NGPI Multipurpose Cooperative.

The intervention combined capacity building with practical outputs that the enterprises can immediately use in strengthening their market presence. All seven MSMEs received training on brand equity, brand management, and intellectual property rights, helping them better understand how a strong and protected brand can contribute to business growth and competitiveness.

More importantly, each enterprise completed its trademark application form together with the required attachments, bringing the MSMEs a step closer to formally protecting their business identities and brand assets.

The RAPID Growth Project also supported the development of seven unique, MSME-approved digital label and packaging designs, reflecting the individual identity and products of each participating enterprise. To help translate these designs into actual market-ready materials, 100 high-quality printed labels and 100 packaging materials were delivered to each MSME.

For the beneficiaries, the brand kit represents more than a new look. It provides a practical tool that can help improve product presentation, strengthen consumer recognition, and create greater confidence as they explore wider market opportunities.

The release of the brand kits marks another milestone in DTI Agusan del Sur’s continuing efforts to help assisted MSMEs move from simply having quality products to building recognizable, competitive, and sustainable brands.

Through the RAPID Growth Project, these seven enterprises are now better equipped with the knowledge, designs, materials, and initial documentation needed to strengthen their brand equity and market readiness. As their products reach more consumers, their brands can carry not only the identity of their businesses, but also the story of local enterprise, innovation, and growth in Agusan del Sur.

With stronger brands, better packaging, and greater awareness of intellectual property protection, Agusan del Sur MSMEs are taking another step forward—turning local products into brands ready for bigger markets.

28/08/2026

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖 | DTI RAPID Growth Conducts Final Session of 3-Part AECA Training Series

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur – The DTI RAPID Growth Project – Agusan del Sur is now conducting the third and final session of the 3-session Training-Workshop Series on the 𝑨𝒈𝒓𝒐-𝑬𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝑪𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒉 (𝑨𝑬𝑪𝑨), 𝑪𝒂𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 for coconut farmers’ cooperatives under the Coconut Detailed Investment Plan (DIP).

Held today, August 28, 2026, at Victoria’s Café, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, the activity brings together 20 coconut farmers from the Citywide Diversified Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (CDCFAC).

As the last leg of the three-session implementation, the activity focuses on strengthening the cooperative through agro-enterprise clustering, knowledge cascading, and Matching Grant implementation planning.

Through this initiative, the DTI RAPID Growth Project continues to support stronger, more organized, and market-oriented coconut farmers’ cooperatives in Agusan del Sur.