CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in northeastern Mindanao expressed gratitude to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for its recent Trade Education and Advocacy Campaign on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Preferential Trade Agreement.
The MSMEs that participated in the campaign, held on June 13–14 in Cagayan de Oro City, lauded the initiative for opening their eyes to the vast global opportunities available to them. The campaign brought together business owners, chambers of commerce, industry associations, universities, and local government representatives from Regions 10, 11, and CARAGA.
“Dako ni siya nga tabang (this is a big help) to open up our eyes and access information on how the industries in northern Mindanao can capitalize on the export market in the global value chain. Without the help of DTI, it would be very difficult to identify all of these markets. It is great for the government sector to be able to give us this valuable information,” said Miguel Mejia, manager of the Filipino Open House under the Food Processors Association of Northern Mindanao (FOPANORMIN).
Godofredo Rangas of the Biao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative, based in Davao City, echoed Mejia’s sentiment, highlighting the importance of understanding free trade agreements. He believes that educating export-ready cooperatives and companies about these options is crucial for empowering them to leverage these agreements and become more competitive in the export market.
Ana Marie Viscayno, proprietor of Sivaco Foods and president of FOPANORMIN, expressed her association’s gratitude to the DTI for organizing the event. She emphasized that their members already have the necessary licenses and certifications for their products. Viscayno said that the event provided a timely opportunity for them to explore the global market and gain insights into products that are suitable for export.
Reggie Punongbayan, president of the Iligan Chamber of Commerce, commended the DTI for its initiative to engage MSMEs and encouraged them to explore the opportunities presented by the RCEP and other preferential trade agreements. She described the DTI’s effort as important for the growth and development of local businesses.
“DTI is opening doors for MSMEs to access larger markets. This can lead to increased sales, diversification of customer bases, and ultimately, business growth. It can help MSMEs gain a competitive edge by leveraging reduced tariffs and improved trade terms. This can make their products and services more attractive in the international market, which can contribute significantly to the overall economic growth of the country,” she said.
Punongbayan urged all members of the Iligan Chamber to carefully consider the opportunities available in the export industry. While venturing into international markets may seem challenging, she emphasized the significant potential benefits in terms of business expansion and diversification. (APB/PIA-10)
