19/03/2026
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Eastern Samar Provincial Office, through Negosyo Center Taft, conducted a Training Needs Assessment (TNA) for the Bongdo Farmers Association at Brgy. Bongdo, Taft, Eastern Samar on March 19, 2026. The activity was facilitated by Negosyo Center Technical Support Staff Kerwin B. Baldonaza.
The Bongdo Farmers Association was identified as a beneficiary of the upcoming Skills Training on Bamboo Handicrafts Processing. Brgy. Bongdo is endowed with an abundant supply of bamboo, which serves as the primary raw material for the proposed training, making it a viable and sustainable livelihood opportunity for the community.
As part of the TNA, the activity also aimed to assess existing livelihood practices within the barangay and identify other available raw materials that may support product diversification. Additionally, profiling of potential producers was conducted to explore possible market linkages with existing food processors in Taft and across Eastern Samar.
Various issues and concerns of the association were also discussed during the activity to ensure that future interventions are responsive and aligned with their needs.