DILIMAN, Quezon City—Farmer entrepreneurs and agribusiness enthusiasts are taking the opportunity to gain knowledge on how to expand their ventures through the Agricultural Training Institute’s (ATI) free seminars.

In the Free Seminar on Product Packaging and Labelling, the latest of this series, some 260 individuals from Metro Manila learned various ways on packaging and labelling agricultural products and its importance in terms of marketing.

The participants were provided with information on the basics of product packaging and labelling, trends to consider, and the materials needed. Critiquing on sample product packaging and actual packaging demonstration were also conducted.

Luis Bausa, owner of Bausa Integrated Farm and manager at Duran Farm Agribusiness and Training Center, served as the resource speaker. He explained, “Packaging is a process intended to preserve food against spoilage and contamination and extend the shelf life.”

Relating the process of good packaging with how a person presents themselves to others, he furthered, “Packaging gives branding and recall.”

One of the participants, Jaime Sanorjo from Caloocan City, shared that he came to the seminar to get ideas on packaging and labelling for their coconut-based products.

“I am here again to learn and experience product packaging,” he said, recalling last year’s free seminar on cacao production as the first one he joined.

Jepee Valdisimo, a fourth year entrepreneurship student from the University of Caloocan, stated that he wants to engage in agribusiness in the future.

“Millennials, nowadays, are more set on going abroad. I think that [we need to focus more on helping our country]; why don’t we find ways to develop our agriculture sector instead?” he said.

ATI Director Alfredo Aton graced the activity and welcomed the participants. He assured them that the Institute will continue to offer free seminars to respond to the information needs of the public on agriculture.

Meanwhile, a special topic on the uses and health benefits of coconut was presented by Rosella Villaruel of the Philippine Coconut Authority. She noted, “Coconut production is a great opportunity to grow business and make sustainable income.”

Villaruel also emphasized that drinking coconut water can boost rehydration, energize body and mind, improve digestion, regulate blood pressure, delay aging, among others.

This latest free seminar was held on March 22 at the ATI Rural Development and Education Center in this city. On April 2, the ATI will also hold a free seminar on the hygienic practices in handling coconut and investment opportunities in this industry.