The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Rizal Provincial Office, in partnership with the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts (UP CFA) and the UP Institute for Small Scale Industries (ISSI), helped four Rizal-based Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The student-designers from UP CFA worked with Yahab and Style, RDBA Bags Industry/Susana Bags, Art Meets Crafts, and Cardona Multipurpose Cooperative.

The students provided invaluable assistance in developing new designs and creating prototypes, breathing fresh life and innovation into their product lines.

The rigorous design process culminated on June 2, 2025, with a final presentation of the student-designers’ proposals to a distinguished panel.

The panel comprised representatives from UP CFA, ISSI, and DTI, who meticulously evaluated the creativity, feasibility, and market potential of the new product concepts.

“This collaboration exemplifies the power of synergy between government, academe, and industry,” said DTI Rizal Provincial Director Cleotilde Duran. “By harnessing the creativity and expertise of UP CFA’s student-designers and the strategic guidance from ISSI, we have equipped our Rizal MSMEs with the tools to innovate and compete more effectively in the market. We are incredibly proud of the new designs and prototypes that emerged from this partnership.”

The initiative aimed to foster creativity, promote design excellence, and provide practical support to MSMEs in Rizal, enabling them to enhance product quality, appeal, and market competitiveness.

This project serves as a model for future collaborations, highlighting the potential for academic institutions to directly contribute to local economic development. The new designs and prototypes are expected to help the participating MSMEs expand their product offerings, attract new customers, and ultimately contribute to the economic growth of Rizal province.