Beneficiaries from Isabela State University-Cauayan Campus engaged in the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2โ€™s intensive three-day product development activity under Project C.R.A.F.T. (Cagayan Valleyโ€™s Regional Artistry, Fashion, and Trends), held at NGN Gran Hotel, March 25-27.

The ISU-Cauayan participants strengthened their capabilities alongside designers, artisans, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the region, as the program sharpened their focus on innovation, design excellence, and market relevance. The activity challenged participants to elevate their products and respond strategically to evolving consumer demands.

DTI Region 2 Regional Director Ma. Sofia G. Narag, CESO V, called on MSMEs to rethink traditional production practices and pursue deliberate, forward-looking design. She stressed the need to fuse cultural authenticity with functionality and current market trends to sustain competitiveness.

Industry experts led sessions that unpacked design thinking, global trends, and product development strategies, enabling ISU-Cauayan beneficiaries to refine prototypes, test new materials, and enhance both form and function. The workshops pushed participants to reimagine their products while preserving strong cultural identity.

DTI also equipped participants with insights on market promotion programs, opening pathways for wider exposure and stronger market positioning. As the activity concluded, DTI officials pressed the importance of aligning product innovation with branding, strategic promotion, and market access to convert development gains into tangible growth.

Through its active participation, ISU-Cauayan Campus strengthened its role in advancing community extension, empowering local entrepreneurs, and driving innovation toward sustainable enterprise development.

#OneISU | #ISUlong | #OneTeamBamboo | #ISU4Excellence | #ISU4Sustainability | #ISU4Transformation | #ISU4Education | #ISU4QualityandRelevance | #ISU4Innovation