R-10 farmer groups advance toward digitalization, commercial marketing

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) program, conducted a three-day training for 14 farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) to enhance their skills in online promotion and digital marketing. This initiative aims to improve market access and product sales, while enabling the farmer groups to benefit from various government support programs and interventions.

Held from July 23 to 25 in this city, the training aimed to modernize farmers’ marketing strategies by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to more effectively promote their products using digital platforms.

Specifically, the participants learned to utilize online design and publishing tools, as well as gained skills in effectively marketing their products on social media.

In his message, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan emphasized that the digital marketing platform serves as a shared system, where farmers can register and promote their products online, drawing early market visibility.

“It’s important that farmers register what they are planting and producing on the platform so they can engage potential buyers even before harvest. This way, we at the agency can also determine the variety of crops and the kind of support needed,” Dir. Pacamalan explained.

Jenny D. Alcobilla, chief of the Agribusiness Industry Support Section, added that part of the agency’s support includes the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS), an operational information system that helps the government develop strategies and initiatives for enterprise development.

For his part, Senior Trade-Industry Development Specialist Christopher Leonard T. Casinillo of the Department of Trade and Industry, presented key concepts on digital marketing, with emphasis on branding, promotion, and advertising. Likewise, he highlighted the importance of digital communication tools in connecting businesses with potential customers.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Information Technology Consultant, Noel M. Degamo, discussed e-commerce platforms, including the agency’s e-KADIWA, guiding participants on online product selling.

“This initiative is a crucial step in helping FCAs enhance their marketing strategies and adopt digital solutions for their agribusiness ventures,” Degamo said.

Said capbuild supports the continuing initiative of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to empower farming and fishing communities through digitalization to improve farmers’ efficiency and productivity.# (MAC)