CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Misamis Oriental continue to receive support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project.
A collaboration between DTI and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the RAPID Growth Project, aims to elevate the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and rural communities by focusing on four key commodities: coffee, cacao, coconut, and processed fruits and nuts.
“Ang tumong ug tinguha ani nga programa is mapataas ang income sa atong mga beneficiaries ug madugangan ang trabaho sa atoang industriya ilabi na dari sa atoang probinsya. Ug lastly, mapataas ang kita or income ug sales atung mga gagmay nga mga negosyante,” explained Kevin Cagalitan, DTI Misamis Oriental RAPID Growth focal person.
(The aim of this program is to increase the income of our beneficiaries and generate more employment opportunities, particularly within our province. Ultimately, it seeks to boost the revenue and sales of our small-scale entrepreneurs).
Originally slated for implementation from 2017 to 2022, the project has been extended until 2027. To date, a total of 7,903 individuals have benefited from the program.
Kevin Cagalitan, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Misamis Oriental focal person for the RAPID Growth Project, encouraged those who are in the production of coffee, cacao, coconut, and processed fruits and nuts industry to avail of the project as its implementation is extended until 2027. (Photo by: DCC/PIA-10)
Melvin Fabello, proprietor of M.C Coffee and president of the Misamis Oriental Coffee Council expressed gratitude for the program's impact on his enterprise.
Fabello, a coffee farmer himself, highlighted the challenge of accessing quality coffee seedlings. He said this challenge has been addressed under the project through the provision of seedlings and comprehensive training for farmers.
"As a result of the training coordinated with RAPID, many farmers, from grassroots to farm owners, have discovered more effective farming methods," Fabello noted.
Similarly, Jerry Asio, marketing specialist of KAMADA ARC Cooperative, emphasized the program's role in expanding their market reach and improving transaction management. “Nakadawat mi ug P1.3M grant gikan sa RAPID Growth Program para sa hauling truck kung asa nagamit namo siya para sa among mga farmer members dili lang para sa coconut apil na sa laing crops para pagtransport,” shared Asio.
(We received a P1.3M grant from the RAPID Growth Program for a hauling truck which we utilize for transporting not only coconuts but also other crops for our farmer members).
Encouraging other organizations to explore the benefits of the RAPID Growth Program, DTI Misamis Oriental invites interested parties to visit the nearest DTI Negosyo Center for inquiries and submission of requirements.
Eligibility criteria include existing production in the targeted commodities, namely, coffee, cacao, coconut, and processed fruits and nuts; full registration with either Cooperative Development Authority, Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Department of Labor and Employment; and a minimum of three years of operation. (JAKA/PIA-10 Misamis Oriental)
