MANILA, Philippines – The heart of Binondo pulsed with the vibrant energy of Cagayan Valley's agricultural heritage as "The Grand Bagsakan" and the inaugural Negosyo Agraryo Fair unfolded on June 19, 2024, at Lucky Chinatown Mall's Ground Atrium and 2nd Floor Railings.
This landmark event spotlighted the rich array of products from Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Organizations (ARBOs) of Region II, also known as the Cagayan Valley region. Organized collaboratively by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2, the fair aimed to bridge the gap between rural producers and urban consumers, providing ARBOs with a platform to showcase and sell their goods directly to Metro Manila's bustling market.
A Cornucopia of Regional Delights
Visitors were treated to a diverse selection of fresh produce, including highland vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and chayote, as well as lowland staples such as tomatoes and eggplants. The fair also featured an assortment of processed goods: the region's renowned chicharabao (crispy carabao skin), milk candies, and various non-food items reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Cagayan Valley.
Empowering Local Enterprises
The event brought together 63 participants, with 30 representing the One Town One Product (OTOP) program and 33 hailing from the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). These participants had undergone extensive training and seminars to enhance their entrepreneurial skills, ensuring they were well-prepared to engage with a broader market and seize new business opportunities.
Institutional Support and Market Expansion
The significance of the fair in expanding market access for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and local farmers is part of ongoing efforts to provide wider market opportunities for MSMEs and local farmers, allowing them to introduce their products to Metro Manila and beyond.
The fair also attracted institutional buyers, further amplifying the potential for sustained business relationships and market growth for the participating ARBOs.
Specifically, Promoting Cagayan Valley agrarian reform beneficiaries' (ARBs) products in Metro Manila serves several important economic, social, and developmental goals:
1. Expanding Market Access
Cagayan Valley is an agricultural powerhouse, but its local market is limited. Bringing ARBs' products to Metro Manila — the Philippines’ largest consumer base — allows farmers to:
Sell in higher volumes.
Command better prices.
Reduce reliance on middlemen.
This helps ARBs generate more income and scale their agribusinesses sustainably.
2. Enhancing Economic Inclusion
Agrarian reform aims to empower smallholder farmers and rural communities. Promoting their goods in urban centers like Manila:
Levels the playing field between rural producers and large agri-corporations.
Brings marginalized farmers into the mainstream economy.
Showcases that ARBs can be agri-preneurs, not just producers.
3. Supporting Food Security and Localization
Manila relies heavily on rural regions like Cagayan Valley for food. Highlighting these producers:
Strengthens regional food systems.
Encourages urban consumers to support local and traceable food sources.
Reduces supply chain risks by promoting direct-from-farm sourcing.
4. Fostering Product Recognition and Branding
Many ARBOs produce high-quality but underrecognized products. Exposure in Metro Manila helps:
Build product awareness and brand identity.
Attract partnerships with institutional buyers, hotels, restaurants, and retailers.
Set the stage for future exports or expansion.
5. Encouraging Investment and Policy Support
Visibility in the capital often draws attention from:
Policymakers and legislators.
NGOs and development partners.
Investors looking for inclusive business models.
This exposure can unlock more funding and support for regional agribusinesses.
6. Strengthening the Agrarian Reform Program
Ultimately, showcasing ARB products in Manila validates the long-term vision of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). It proves that:
Land reform can lead to viable rural enterprises.
Small-scale farmers can compete in national markets.
With the right support, agrarian reform beneficiaries can thrive.
Also, promoting Cagayan Valley ARBs' products in Metro Manila isn't just about selling produce — it's about connecting economies, reducing inequality, and empowering rural communities through inclusive development.
A Model for Sustainable Development
The success of "The Grand Bagsakan" and the Negosyo Agraryo Fair underscores the potential of collaborative efforts between government agencies and local communities in promoting sustainable economic development. By providing a platform for ARBOs to showcase their products, the event not only celebrated the agricultural richness of Cagayan Valley but also highlighted the importance of empowering rural communities through market integration.
As the fair concluded, the enthusiasm and positive feedback from both vendors and consumers signaled a promising future for similar initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive growth and bridging the urban-rural divide.
