DTI-Kayapa LGU collaboration to strengthen Nueva Vizcaya’s organic agriculture and other key industries

Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines—On 25 April 2024, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Region 2 Nueva Vizcaya, led by Provincial Director Atty. Michael B. Paggabao, met with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kayapa, headed by Mayor Elizabeth Balasya, to explore potential interventions for product development and marketing, promoting Kayapa’s organic agriculture sector and other top industries.

During the visit, Mayor Balasya highlighted that the Kayapa Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Group is the first group of certified organic farmers in the entire Cagayan Valley region authorized by the Department of Agriculture to train and certify other organic farmers. She also mentioned the marketing challenges faced by the group, specifically in marketing their produce.

Recognizing the growing demand for organic produce, PD Paggabao pledged the DTI’s support in assisting the farmers. This includes improving packaging and labeling, connecting them with institutional buyers, and providing access to larger marketing platforms.

Among the subject matters discussed in the meeting include the Roads Leveraging Linkages of Industry and Trade (ROLL IT) Program, the reorientation of the Local Price Coordinating Council, and the interventions for the coffee, food processing, and loom

weaving industries.

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The two parties also talked about the Nueva Vizcaya goes to Alabang Provincial Trade Fair as well as the conduct of possible skills training that cover the development and crafting of Kayapa’s brand for local products.

Following the meeting, the DTI regional office also visited some of the MSMEs in the town, specifically the cut-flower and statice farms, Kayapa Weavers and Sewers Association, and Melbz Handicraft.

They also conducted a short counseling session with some of the entrepreneurs when the team visited the Negosyo Center Office. These visits allowed the DTI team to assess the current needs and challenges faced by local MSMEs, and brainstorm strategies for further growth within their respective industries