05/11/2026
𝐃𝐓𝐈 𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝟐-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐢𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐈𝐈
November 3–4, 2026 || San Jose, Dinagat Islands – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Province of Dinagat Islands participated in the two-day Competency Standards Development for Citronella Essential Oil Processing Level II, held at the DTI Provincial Office in Sta. Cruz, San Jose, Dinagat Islands.
This competency standards development activity is essential to establishing a nationally recognized set of skills, knowledge, and work standards for individuals engaged in the production and processing of citronella essential oil. Its objective is to develop a competent workforce capable of transforming locally available citronella grass in Dinagat Islands into high-value essential oil products, creating livelihood opportunities, and strengthening the province’s farming and agricultural sector.
The activity was spearheaded by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Dinagat Islands Provincial Office, headed by TESDA Provincial Director Abegail B. Eupeña, CPS, MBA. Senior TESDS Ms. Sheryll P. Holifeña of TESDA Caraga facilitated the Workshop on Functional Map and CS Development Process, with assistance from the validation team from the Rosita Citronella and Lemongrass Planters Association (ROCILPA), led by Chairman Rodrigo S. Taba Sr. and its members, and the Fisheries Agriculture Reform Movement and Environment Recovery, Inc., represented by Provincial Board Member of District 1 Zacarias N. Vales, together with its farmer-members.
DTI Dinagat Islands Provincial Director Elmer M. Natad emphasized the importance of conducting this activity to establish the Competency Standards for Citronella Oil Processing, which aim to standardize industry processes. He also stressed the importance of organizing a Citronella Festival in the province to boost its popularity and attract investment opportunities in the industry.
