TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Tarlac has capacitated 21 members of the Maunlad Sugar Planters Association in Barangay Maasin, Pura in muscovado processing.
The training, facilitated under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), aims to equip sugarcane planters with basic processing skills to increase the value of their produce and maximize the use of the kabyawan, or sugar mill, which was granted by the Department of Labor and Employment in May 2025.
DTI Trade-Industry Development Specialist Paolo Manese expressed confidence in the group’s readiness and potential to venture into sugarcane processing.
“The association has displayed active participation in our DTI-CARP programs, and they have an ample supply of sugarcane in their area. They are ready to enter a muscovado processing business. We are positive that this venture will prosper in the near future,” he said.
Resource speaker Danilo Gacusan demonstrated how to make choco chip cookies, muffins, piyaya, caramel candy, and syrup using muscovado sugar as the main ingredient.
Meanwhile, association chairperson Eddie Daileg voiced appreciation for the support as they take their first steps into manufacturing.
“We thank DTI for choosing us as beneficiaries of their program. This is very meaningful to us, as we are just starting to venture into processing. We are looking forward to more collaboration with DTI Tarlac CARP, specifically on developing and marketing our products,” he shared.
The DTI-CARP will continue to assist the group through product development and by showcasing their products in trade fairs once they are ready for market exposure. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
