DA-10 4K program champions IPs orgs-industrial market linkage

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Strengthening efforts to empower Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and expand their access to markets, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) Program, conducted a town hall meeting with Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPOs) and private sector representatives on June 23, in this city.

The activity served as a platform to connect IP organizations with potential market partners, foster direct engagement with industry stakeholders, and generate opportunities for sustainable business partnerships.

In his message, DA-4K Program Director Gilbert V. Baltazar emphasized the importance of collaboration among producers, investors, and market players in strengthening indigenous enterprises.

“Tatlo lang po ang kaparaanan para magkaroon ng production; land, labor, and capital. Nasa inyo na po ang lupa, nasa inyo na po ang lakas-tao, at kaya andito ang mga private sectors kasi sila po ang may kapital,” Baltazar said.

“Sa pakikipag-ugnayan po sa kanila, maging tapat po tayo at mag-isip tayo bilang producers. Ang negosyo nila ay iproseso, ayusin, at iharap sa mundo ang inyong mga produkto, pero tayo bilang producers, palakasin po natin ang ating produkto,” he added.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to bring together indigenous groups and private sector stakeholders, creating avenues for market linkage and inclusive agricultural development.

He likewise urged the participating organizations to continuously improve the quality and competitiveness of their products, noting that opportunities to directly engage with prospective buyers and investors are vital for the growth of their respective enterprises.

The town hall meeting gathered owners and representatives from various private firms, including See’s International, Ueshima Coffee Corporation Philippines, Market Reach International, PhilMaize Fed., Inc., and the Coffee Industry Development Office.

Also present were the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Office on Socioeconomic Services and Special Concerns Director Reynaldo A. Dingal and DA-4K Program Services and Intervention Cluster Head Norodin S. Malugayak.

The initiative forms part of the DA-4K Program’s continued efforts to enhance the productivity, market access, and economic opportunities of IP communities across Northern Mindanao. #