New ₱150M packaging hub to boost Caraga MSME competitiveness

LOCAL micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Caraga Region are set to receive a major competitive boost with the official launch of a new ₱150-million packaging and labeling facility on July 13, 2026.

The launch will serve as the centerpiece kickoff event for the 2026 MSME Development Week in Butuan City.

Established under the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Shared Service Facility (SSF) Program, the project is a collaborative venture with Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU).

Dubbed as Caraga’s “One-Stop Printing Hub,” the facility has been officially named FSUU MIRACLE (Modern Implementation for Revolutionizing Advanced Cutting-edge Layout and Excellent Printing Solution).

The concept for the cutting-edge hub originated during a June 2024 learning mission to the ProPak Asia exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand.

The delegation was led by DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, who then served as the MSME Development Group Undersecretary.

Inspired by Secretary Roque’s vision of establishing world-class packaging facilities in the Philippines, DTI Caraga Regional Director Gay A. Tidalgo spearheaded the effort to translate global best practices into a regional innovation center.

The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement on March 14, 2025, with FSUU committing the necessary infrastructure and technical support.

Ahead of the grand opening, Secretary Roque visited Butuan City on July 7 for a ceremonial project turnover alongside FSUU President Rev. Fr. Randy Jasper C. Odchigue.

FSUU MIRACLE aims to provide MSMEs across Caraga and wider Mindanao with affordable, high-quality technical solutions. The facility’s extensive service portfolio includes:

  • Packaging design and label development
  • Commercial printing and die-cutting
  • Packaging fabrication and prototype production
  • Branding and packaging improvement assistance

By offering these advanced resources locally, the DTI aims to help small businesses significantly reduce production costs, elevate product presentation, and seamlessly comply with industry labeling standards.

This strategic infrastructure is expected to unlock new commercial avenues for local entrepreneurs, allowing them to penetrate supermarkets, e-commerce platforms, institutional trade fairs, and global export markets.

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