DTI to boost sugarcane industry in Zambales

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is eyeing to boost the sugarcane industry in the province of Zambales after conducting a Shared Service Facility (SSF) visit to the Sto. Niño Kabisig Farmers Association in the town of Cabangan on 23 January 2026.

According to DTI Provincial Director Enrique D. Tacbad, the SSF visit aims to assess the status of their sugarcane processing operations and explore ways to further strengthen their livelihood.

Tacbad led the visit together with Negosyo Center Business Counselor John Paul Bagayo and Administrative Aide Divina Badar from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO).

The SSF sugarcane juicer evaluation showed how the association uses the equipment for making local products that include sugarcane vinegar and panotsa and cascaron and patupat.

Members displayed their present production abilities during their presentation about existing obstacles and upcoming business options. The visit also served as a platform to identify additional support that DTI can provide, including product development, packaging improvement, food safety compliance, and market linkage assistance.

Through the SSF program, what was once a farming challenge has turned into a sustainable livelihood opportunity for the community.

DTI and MAO together with the farmers demonstrate how the government supports rural business development while showing the value of Cabangan agricultural products.

The sugarcane industry in Zambales, particularly in areas like Cabangan, is shifting towards value-added processing, such as producing sugarcane juice, vinegar, and traditional sweets like panutsa and patupat.

Local government units and the DTI are boosting this sector by providing SSF like juicers to enhance production and local livelihoods.

Instead of solely focusing on raw sugar, local associations like the Sto. Niño Kabisig Farmers Association in Cabangan are creating value-added products such as sugarcane vinegar, panutsa, and patupat.

Similar to the national industry, local production faces hurdles regarding, but not limited to, the high cost of inputs and the need for more efficient, modern processing equipment.