RTWPB-MIMAROPA, in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Occidental Mindoro Field Office, conducted a one-day training on Design Thinking for Enterprise Productivity in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on June 11, 2025. 

Cooperative leaders from over 20 organizations across the province participated in the training which guided micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in learning and applying human-centered techniques to solve problems more creatively and innovatively. 

The workshop emphasized Design Thinking as a structured methodology consisting of five key phases: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. 

“Innovation rooted in empathy is no longer optional; it is essential. This approach enables cooperatives to create value-driven products and services while streamlining operations,” Board Secretary VI Atty. Grace Lyn G. Carboro-Pantaleon said. 

Board Secretary Carboro-Pantaleon said the activity aligns with RTWPB-MIMAROPA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen MSMEsin the region, by promoting inclusive, creative, and productivity-driven practices. (Glenn D. Calinao)