DA-NorMin showcases local tastes at World Bazaar Festival 2024

 

PASAY CITY – In a stride to highlight the best tastes of the region while supporting charitable endeavors, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) participated as one of the exhibitors of the DA Pavilion at the World Bazaar Festival 2024, held at the World Trade Center from December 13 to 22.

Through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), DA-NorMin extended its full support to the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) awardee and Farmers’ Cooperative Association (FCA) to partake in the country’s “longest-running annual charity bazaar.”

This initiative served as a platform to showcase the region’s agri-innovations, as well as to promote local products on a grand scale.

NorMin’s FCA First Community Cooperative (FICCO) Integrated Coconut Facility, assisted by Market Specialist I Karen Andrea Noob, also displayed adlai and some coconut-based value-added products, including sap and skimmed milk drinks in the exhibit .

Meanwhile, DA-Normin’s YFC awardee, OZ Fresh Greens Hydroponics from Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, represented by Jury Rey Catapang and assisted by the Market Development Section Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Dryan Anthony D. Illana, also showcased pesto paste in the pavilion.

Catapang expressed his beatitude for the support his products received, sharing “I’m happy that all 72 jars of my pesto paste were sold out by the second day of display.” He added that the positive reception inspires him to continue innovating and offering high-quality, sustainable products.

The YFC awardee also encouraged fellow young farmers, whether working on small-scale backyard setups or larger commercial farms, to participate in events like the WBF and such. He highlighted that such platforms allow them to connect to people who can help refine their products, gain market awareness, build networks, and showcase their hard work to a broader audience.

“Thank you to the DA for providing this incredible platform to showcase the passion and potential of Filipino farmers.Together, let’s grow and inspire”, he expressed.

With the agency’s support in product display, Chino’s Deli, a local delicatessen in Cagayan de Oro City, also participated in the bazaar, displaying their homemade meat products such as bacon, ham, and sausages.

Through an initiative like this, the DA continues to encourage young farmers, cooperatives, and local businesses to drive advancements and gain wider recognition in food innovation