27/10/2026
GINGOOG CITY STRENGTHENS LOCAL TIGER GRASS INDUSTRY THROUGH ₱3-MILLION SHARED SERVICE FACILITY
In a significant step toward strengthening the local tiger grass (lawi) industry, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–Misamis Oriental formally executed a usufruct agreement and turned over a ₱3-million Shared Service Facility (SSF) to five tiger grass producers and broom makers associations during the City Hall Convocation on October 26, 2026.
The facility aims to improve production efficiency, enhance product quality, and increase the manufacturing capacity of local lawi enterprises in Gingoog City. Through modern processing equipment and shared production resources, the initiative is expected to help local producers meet growing market demand, improve productivity, and create more sustainable livelihood opportunities for their members.
The ₱3-million investment will support six operational hubs equipped with five biomass dryers, five tiger grass depollinators, twelve sets of multi-tier drying racks, two band saw machines, and one rod milling machine. These facilities will strengthen the processing and preparation of tiger grass, helping producers improve their production workflow and maintain more consistent product quality.
The five beneficiary organizations are the Hindangon Hugpong Multi-sectoral Association, Hindangon Tiger Grass Women’s Association, Bal-ason Lawi Planters Association, Dinawehan Lawi Planters and Broom Makers Association, and Hindangon United Farmers Association. Their production outputs will be consolidated through the Alayon Multipurpose Cooperative, serving as the primary partner cooperative to promote coordinated production, operational efficiency, and economies of scale.
The Memorandum of Agreement was signed by City Mayor Erick G. Cañosa; DTI Misamis Oriental Provincial Director Ms. Jesusa M. Abear; and Ms. Lindy P. Valdevilla, REA, MPA, City Investment Promotion Officer and Acting Cooperative Development Officer. The ceremony was witnessed by representatives of the five beneficiary associations and the consolidator cooperative, together with Procurement Service–Department of Budget and Management Assistant Regional Director Eunice Villamor and Cooperative Development Authority Supervising Cooperatives Development Specialist Nizar Pangalian.
In a video message, DTI Undersecretary Mary Jean Pacheco highlighted the growing market demand for Gingoog’s lawi products. She cited the significant increase in commercial orders, from an initial 5,000 units to 15,000 units, representing a 200% increase in demand. This growth underscores the need to strengthen production capacity, improve manufacturing processes, and ensure that local producers can respond effectively to larger orders.
Aligned with the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines initiative, the turnover of the Shared Service Facility represents a strategic investment in Gingoog City’s local enterprise development. By providing access to improved processing equipment and encouraging collaboration among producers, the initiative aims to expand market opportunities, strengthen the competitiveness of locally made lawi products, increase income opportunities for participating communities, and promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Through the continued partnership of the LGU Gingoog, DTI, the beneficiary associations, and Alayon Multipurpose Cooperative, the city reinforces its commitment to empowering local producers, preserving traditional craftsmanship, and positioning Gingoog’s tiger grass industry for greater productivity and wider market reach.
Empowering Local Producers. Strengthening Local Industries. Advancing Gingoog City’s Economic Growth.Gingoog Negosyo Center
