The Department of Agriculture-MiMaRoPa (DA- MiMaRoPa) thru Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) in partnership with Department of trade and Industry (DTI) and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) conducted the Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investment in Regional Exposition (ASPIRE) and Regional Farmers and Fisher Folks Trade Fair in Nuciti Central Mall, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro recently.
The activity were participated by the different individuals/groups who were recognized by the DA as “innovative product” in the region such as Oriental Mindoro Sustainable Agricultural Development (ORMISAD) , Samahang ngatataguyod ng Kabuhayan (SANAKA), Pollyn’s Enterprises, Pakyas Rural Improvement Club (PARIC), Calapeños Food and Spices, Adriel’s Honey Products, Matulatula Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (MarcCO), Dao Water Lily Association, San Juan Rural Improvement Club, and Dewey Organic Products from Oriental Mindoro; Mancoco Food processing Inc. and Danizon Farms from Occidental Mindoro; Bahi Agricultural and Fisheries Association, kalipunan ng mga Kababaihan ng Marinduque, and Three Sisters Home Made Banana Chips from Marinduque; and Carmele’s Sweets and Food Stuff, Chokulet Forever Agri Products, and Chonsberry Cashew pasalubong from Palawan.
On the opening program, Mr. Ramon M. Policarpio from Marketing Section of AMAD welcomed the participants and discussed the goals of the ASPIRE. According to Policarpio, the goal of the program is to alleviate poverty among farmers and fisher folks thru direct marketing of their goods, likewise, to have available and affordable food for the people. Also to build strong partnerships and convergence with other government and private sector industry groups.
Also, DTI- MiMaRoPa Assistant Director Rodolfo Mariposque cited that there is a need for the technological development for marketing since we are now living in a technological era. In addition, we should adapt ourselves as well as the marketing to cater the needs of the consumers. "dapat tayong sumabay sa makabagong teknolohiya para di tayo mapag-iiwanan sa pamamaraan ng pagnenegosyo.", he said.
The exhibitors promoted their products and were able to meet with their sales. Ms. Virginia Dela Cruz from ORMISAD said, “nagpapasalamat po kami sa DA MiMaRoPa at sa AMAD dahil nabigyan po kami ng pagkakataon na maisama sa programang ito at magkaroon po kami ng pagkakataon na maipakilala ang aming mga produkto na organiko!”.
This week-long activity aims to showcase the value added products of the farmers and fisher folks thru trade fair and product exhibition. It also aims to attract investors that will further develop the products of the participants in the said exhibit. Hence, to answer the need for the convergence between government and private sectors in affordable and available food for the people; and to increase the income of Farmers and Fisher Folks.
