TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) – -People in Metro Manila once again gained access to the region’s finest, farm-fresh produce from local farmers during the Grand Bagsakan at the Eastwood City Central Plaza in Quezon City.
The Indigenous Enabel Craft, started making patterns and designs in 2015 with only three-pedal looms, locally called pangablan. With so much passion on one hand and creativity on the other, Ms. Andrea Aswigue leveled up their local textiles with the help of DTI’s Product Development Programs. (Photo courtesy of DTI-2)
“The event showcased handicrafts made of wood and other natural and indigenous materials, all perfect for the coming holidays,” Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Romleah Pulido Ocampo said.
The three-day event, which started on November 20 until November 22, generated a total of P711,823 sales according to Ocampo.
“It provided an avenue and opportunity for local producers to introduce their products in the metro and gave a chance to those who crave the region’s products,” she added.
The event is a collaborative effort of DTI Region 2, the Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, Mayani.Ph, and Megaworld aimed at helping local producers invade the nation’s market.
“This is our support to help uplift the lives of our hardworking farmers and MSMEs while encouraging a healthier lifestyle for everyone as Region 2 once again brings its bountiful harvest to the metro,” Ocampo said.
“We help satisfy your cravings for farm-fresh and quality veggies, luscious fruits, and delectable healthy products straight from the local farmers and MSMEs in the region, she said, adding that it will be a hassle-free purchase since it can be ordered online via the Mayani platform or Mayani.ph, the country’s fastest-growing, impact-driven agri-tech platform, empowering smallholder farmers and fisherfolk across the archipelago through sustainable access to markets, inputs, and credit,” the director added.
Mayani PH, a DTI-Region 2’s active partner for this project is a social-impact-driven agri-tech company that connects farmers and buyers (consumers, resellers, restaurant chains, and multi-national brands) on a unified digital technology platform. It has a 5,000 strong community and over 600 farmers across Luzon.
This consumer checks the sarakat bags of Santa Praxedes, Cagayan.This fashion bag is made of Sarakat Pandan, created by the members of Sta Praxedes Sarakat Women Weavers’ Association. (Photo courtesy of DTI-2)
The event optimizes e-commerce and e-payment platforms to bring quality fresh products and manufactured goods from the region to the National Capital Region (NCR) straight from the local farmers and small, micro, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Products sold and exhibited include fresh produce like assorted foods and vegetables, processed products like chicharabao, chili garlic oil, honey, mushroom chips, roasted peanuts, fruit wines, and cacao products, among others.
The products displayed and sold were screened based on product quality and safety, packaging and labeling, sustainability, and production capacity.
Gedielyn Paje, owner of Manjou’s Pure Honey, one of the saleable goods, said she owes a lot to the DTI’s intervention, from packaging to marketing of her product, because it gave her the opportunity to penetrate the national market.
“DTI never stopped to provide avenues for us to improve our products and to provide a good market for us,” she said, adding that the way DTI mentors them is a big help in creating a name for their business.
If not for the DTI and other partner agencies, she said her product might still be in the corners of Cagayan Valley, but thanks to the DTI’s initiative in empowering MSMEs like her, which also gave her the opportunity to be recognized in the 2023 Productivity Olympics,
The Grand Bagsakan is a regular activity of the department to support Filipino products. (MDCT/GVB/PIA)
