In the country's agricultural value chain, accuracy is currency. For small-scale rubber producers, even minor discrepancies in weighing translate into lost income, weaker market leverage, and limited growth. In Barangay Situbo, Tampilisan, a shift toward digital precision is redefining how grassroots enterprises compete. To modernize the local rubber industry and strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has rolled out a Shared Services Facility (SSF) in Tampilisan, providing the Situbo Farmers Rubber Association with four platform floor weighing scales valued at PHP 400,000. The facility positions farmer associations not just as producers, but as emerging players in a more transparent and data-driven market.

The adoption of digital weighing platforms is expected to improve measurement accuracy, pricing transparency, and record keeping, key requirements for MSMEs seeking to scale up operations, meet buyer standards, and integrate into formal supply chains. With reliable data, farmer groups are better equipped to negotiate prices, monitor output, and plan production. "This digital platform is not just a tool for measurement; it is a tool for empowerment", said DTI Assistant Regional Director Maridel D. Dengal. "It ensures that our rubber farmers get the exact value for their hard work". For Freddie B. Acas, president of the Situbo Farmers Rubber Association, the SSF addresses one of the most persistent challenges faced by agricultural MSMEs - ensuring fairness at the point of trade. "This is a huge help not just to us farmers and our association but also to our neighbours to ensure pricing accuracy, as this is one of our main sources of income". he said. The SSF Project is among DTI's flagship MSME development programs, providing shared access to machinery, equipment, and technology that would otherwise be beyond the reach of producers. By reducing production inefficiencies and improving product quality, the program supports the broader national goal of building competitive, resilient MSMEs-particularly in agriculture based industries. As the Philippines pushes for inclusive economic growth, initiatives like the SSF in Tampilisan highlight how targeted investments can strengthen rural enterprises, connect farmers to better market opportunities, and reinforce the role of MSMEs as drivers of local and national development.