DIPOLOG CITY -- Some 26 participants composed of prospective businessmen, teachers, housewives, hotel representatives, and government employees actively participated in the Training on Bath Soap, Shampoo, and Lotion Production held at the Bamboo Garden Social Hall, Dipolog City Thursday.

The training was organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Western Mindanao in line with the annual observance of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW).

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This year's regional celebration was held in Dipolog City. The celebration was anchored on the theme "Responding Global Challenges through Science and Technology" with sub-theme "Saanman, Kailanman, S&T ay Kailangan."

Other activities slated during the celebration were Technology Forum and Demo on Low-Fat Ice Cream Production, Technopreneurship Forum for SMEs, Product Packaging Assessment and Consultation, and Seminar on Basic Sanitation and Hygiene.

The three-day training involved lecture-presentation on the formulations, production, and costings of the said personal care products. To facilitate learning efficiently, hands-on demonstrations and workshops on the step-by-step productions of all the products were conducted. The participants were apprised on the current market potentials of the cosmetics and toiletry products. It was disclosed that the Philippines is one of Asia's fastest growing market for cosmetics and personal care products. About 78% of the market for cosmetics and toiletries in the Philippines are locally produced while 22% are imported. Out of the 78% locally produced cosmetics and toiletries, 10% of it is exported.

Globally, the composition of market for cosmetics and toiletries, by region, is as follows: Western Europe (31%), Asia Pacific (25%), North America (22%), Latin America (10%), Eastern Europe (6%), and Africa/Middle East (4%). The global growth average is 3.5% per annum.

The resource persons were Dr. Rosalinda Torres, Ms. Lilibeth Hermosura, and Ma. Carmelita Manalo of the DOST's Industrial Technology and Development Institute (ITDI) in Bicutan, Taguig, Manila. (Press release)