Small enterprises supported under a government program will be equipped with branding, packaging design, and design management to help them thrive in local and global markets.
The initiative is implemented under the project, “Designing Interventions to Strengthen ENterprises and Yield Opportunities (DISENYO)” funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry’s Design Center of the Philippines (DTI-DCP).
The project is under the National Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubation (ATBI) program of DOST-PCAARRD, which aims to transform agricultural and aquatic research into viable commercial enterprises and startups.
The DISENYO project aims to enhance the 25 DOST-PCAARRD ATBIs’ support for incubatees on branding, packaging design, and design management. It is also designed to equip them with the capabilities and tools necessary to help incubatees improve their market position, long-term sustainability, and ability to thrive in local and global markets.
One of the major activities of the project is the training workshop on design thinking and its applications, circular economy, and sustainability. Its first and second batches were conducted on April 20 to 24, 2026, and May 4 to 8, 2026, respectively, at the Benilde Hub of Innovation for Inclusion (Benilde HIFI), P. Ocampo St., Malate, Manila.
DCP Executive Director Ms. Maria Rita (Rhea) O. Matute welcomed the participants. DCP, as an agency under DTI, is mandated to promote the use of design as a tool in strengthening the national competitiveness of Philippine products and services, and in empowering Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and designers for the local and global markets. Ms. Matute highlighted how the project aligns with the ATBI program of PCAARRD and with DCP’s objectives.
On the other hand, the Council’s Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) Director, Mr. Noel A. Catibog, in his welcome remarks on May 4, expressed his gratitude to DCP for supporting a project like DISENYO, as TTPD recognizes design as a crucial component in promoting and commercializing products and technologies. TTPD Assistant Director Lucy A. Lastimosa also shared with the ATBIs how the challenge of scaling up for incubatees is often influenced by design; hence, she encouraged the ATBIs to maximize the training program.
Design Thinking Consultant and Learning Experience Designer Ms. Peachy Pacquing of The Brave Learning Crew, Inc., served as the lead resource person of the workshop. She discussed the various design thinking tools, principles, and approaches, challenging the ATBI products and technologies. Her co-facilitators and co-speakers were distinguished resource persons whose discussions focused on the other components of the training program, namely:
- Marketing and Branding by Ms. Pia Roxas Campo of Pure Oceans; • Circular Economy and Sustainability by Mr. Rafael Dionisio of MAD Travel;
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law by Mr. Zedrik Avecilla of PARMS.
Led by DCP Research Division Chief Engr. Tarhata Mariano, the DISENYO project moves forward with the ATBIs and their respective designers from DCP, who will help develop design interventions based on participants’ training outputs.