The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provided skills training on tomato processing to a total of 20 members of Magao Ortilano Modernong Magsasakang Association (MOMMA) in Concepcion, Tarlac.

This initiative is under the agency’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program which aims to assist and support agrarian reform beneficiaries through business development.

DTI Tarlac Trade Industry Development Specialist Paolo Manese explained that they came up with the training to further advance the skills of the farmer-beneficiaries in maximizing the potential of their harvest.

“We saw the potential of the tomatoes produced by the group which led us to providing them in this specific training. This new-found skills and dedication could contribute to the success of their association,” he stressed.

During the training, participants processed tomatoes into jam, sauce and ketchup.

Manese added that they are eyeing to increase the value of the produce and income of the association by developing and innovating products that could generate additional earning for them.

Meanwhile, MOMMA President Efren Puno expressed his appreciation of the training, and underscored the positive outcome that the new skills would bring to the farmers’ group.

“Happiness is the only word that can explain what we are feeling right now. Thank you for seeing our potential and we promise to strive to make our tomato product business successful,” Puno said.

Prior to this, DTI trained the members of Aduas Multipurpose Cooperative of Paniqui town on processing sweet potato-based products.

DTI provides seminars to various sectors, including farmers, to ensure the improvement, growth and sustainability of their businesses. (PIA-Region 3, Tarlac | Trixie Joy B. Manalili)