BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), successfully conducted the Agribusiness Support for Promotions and Investment in Regional Exposition (ASPIRE) 2024, held on November 5-7 at the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC).
With the theme “A Responsive Business Partnership Towards Better Marketing Opportunities,” ASPIRE 2024 brought together a diverse group of agribusiness professionals, government officials, and industry stakeholders to exchange insights and explore new business opportunities in the region’s agricultural sector. The three-day event featured an extensive program of lectures aimed at empowering participants with the knowledge and tools necessary for business growth and sustainability.
Topics covered during the event included agribusiness investment support, advanced e-marketing strategies, international business models, and innovations introduced by partner agencies.
A highlight of the event was the Trade Fair and Exhibit, which showcased the champion commodities and cutting-edge innovations from farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the Cordillera region, as well as from neighboring regions 1, 3, and 11. The exhibit offered an interactive platform for local businesses to showcase their products, expand their market reach, and forge valuable connections.
DA Assistant Secretary for Export Development, Philip C. Young, who was represented by Rosemarie G. Castillo, underscored the importance of collaboration between government agencies and the private sector in strengthening the export potential of local products. Castillo emphasized that while the region possesses immense potential, challenges such as inconsistent supply hinder its capacity to meet international demand. She urged participants to explore modern farming techniques, not only for vegetables but also for fruits, to enhance production and export capabilities.
“Kung ma-develop natin into exports ang ating mga produkto, mababawasan din ang pangangailangan ng mga manggagawa sa ibang bansa,” Castillo stated, encouraging innovation and export-oriented strategies.
Moreover, Danilo P. Daguio, DA-CAR Regional Technical Director for Operations, highlighted the significance of ASPIRE in addressing the challenges faced by MSMEs in rural areas. “Small businesses in rural areas are often prone to failure due to a lack of business knowledge. This event provides an opportunity to learn about new technologies and business opportunities that can help improve their capacity and sustainability,” he said.
The event was a collaborative effort involving the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Cooperative Development Authority, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), demonstrating a unified approach to promoting growth and development in the region’s agribusiness sector.
Also in attendance were Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairperson Ryan U. Palunan, DTI Regional Director Juliet P. Lucas, PCCI Executive Director Trinidad C. Trinidad, PCCI Regional Governor Deimler O. Cuyan, and DA-CAR AMAD Focal Person Joan D. Bacbac. By Leny D. Mendoza
