The DA-NorMin delegation headed by RED Pacamalan attends the culmination of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month celebration, at the same time witnessing two of Region 10’s outstanding FCAs and FRED being honored for their invaluable contribution to the agri-fishery sector.

 

PASAY CITY — In a bid to showcase local produce on the national stage, two awardees of the Department of Agriculture – Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) program from Northern Mindanao showcased their innovative agri-products during the launch of the Manila Food and Beverage Expo (MAFBEX) 2024 on June 12, at the World Trade Center, in this city.

Now in its 18th year, the annual food and beverage expo was participated in by the DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), during which the agency promoted contemporary culinary creations of promising young farmers and agri-products innovators from region 10.

Representing Northern Mindanao were agri-enterprises from Lantapan, Bukidnon, VeggieKrunch Crackers by YFC 2023 Provincial Awardee Loover B. Veloso and The Farmer’s Treats Mulberry jam by YFC 2023 Regional Awardee Kristine Joy A. Cabiladas, who were among the 232 brand exhibitors who participated in the national event.

Cabiladas, who received funding support worth P150k from the DA after emerging as a regional awardee of the YFC 2023 Start-up category, said that her enterprise has since grown and has been highlighted in various exhibitions, the latest of which is her participation in the MAFBEX assisted by the DA-10 AMAD.

“MAFBEX 2024 has opened opportunities for a wider market, learning, experiences, and connections with people from all over the Philippines. I am grateful for the trust the DA has given me to showcase the uniqueness and richness of our region,” Cabiladas said.

Meanwhile, Veloso, who also received funding support from DA worth P80k as a provincial awardee of the YFC 2023, said that the exhibit largely benefits his enterprise after having linked with prospective business partners.

“This event [has provided] a significant opportunity [for me] to promote my product on a national level. I have met many individuals interested in my product and found numerous potential suppliers for packaging and processing equipment. I am deeply grateful to the DA-AMAD for choosing me as one of the featured exhibitors at this year’s event,” Veloso said.

Also from the region, the First Community Cooperative – Integrated Processing Facility and Bestfriend Goodies also displayed their innovative beverages and food packs, as partner agri-based enterprises of the agency.

Said participation aligns with the agency’s goal of improving and expanding market access for agri-fishery enterprises, consistent with the policy thrusts of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. toward a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’.# (GDA)