STEP GO-DIGITS program for Cagayan ARBOs

The STEP GO-DIGITS program is a digital transformation initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that aims to help agri-based groups and rural enterprises become part of the digital economy. It does this by providing technology tools, internet connectivity, e-commerce onboarding, and digital skills support so these organizations can improve how they operate, market their products, and reach customers online.

How It Started for Cagayan ARBOs

In December 2025, DTI expanded the STEP GO-DIGITS project to include Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) in several regions, including Cagayan Valley (Region II). The government distributed Digitalization Business (DigiBiz) Kits to a group of ARBOs in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Northern Mindanao. These kits include technology such as Starlink Standard Enterprise V4 satellite internet equipment with priority data plans to help overcome poor or inconsistent connectivity in rural areas.

In Cagayan province, four (4) ARBOs were initial recipients of the STEP GO-DIGITS Project of DTI Regional Office 02:

• MBG Farmers Irrigators Credit Cooperative

• Nararagan Valley MPC

• PATASDA ARB Cooperative

• Solana West Farmers Cooperative

This technological support is meant to resolve a major challenge identified by DTI: over two-thirds of rural enterprises supported by the agency suffer from slow or non-existent internet, which limits their ability to participate in online selling, digital marketing, and virtual learning.

What It Means for ARBOs in Cagayan

For the ARBOs that received support under STEP GO-DIGITS in Cagayan Valley, this intervention is more than just new gadgets:

• Internet connectivity becomes reliable enough to support business activities that require a stable connection.

• Digital tools and platforms enable ARBOs to list products online, accept electronic payments, and run digital marketing campaigns.

• Virtual learning and networking opportunities increase as members can attend online training, webinars, and e-commerce onboarding sessions without connectivity barriers.

Through these improvements, ARBOs—many of which are cooperatives, multi-purpose cooperatives, and agrarian groups in Cagayan—can compete more effectively in both local and wider markets.

Why This Matters

For rural agrarian organizations that traditionally rely on local markets and manual processes, STEP GO-DIGITS is a gateway to modern business practices. It equips ARBOs with the digital tools and connectivity necessary to:

• Sell beyond their immediate locality through online channels.

• Improve productivity and operations efficiency by using digital systems instead of paper-based or manual tracking.

• Build long-term sustainability by adapting to digital trends in commerce and customer interaction.

Through STEP GO-DIGITS, the DTI has helped Cagayan ARBOs get connected and digitally capable, addressing infrastructure challenges and giving them access to e-commerce tools that can take their products and services to broader markets.  

Photos: Catherine Gardoce and DAR-DTI CARP

Regional Grand Bagsakan and 2nd Negosyo Agraryo Fair 2025 Returns to Lucky Chinatown Mall

Binondo, Manila – August 1, 2025 — The vibrant flavors, crafts, and culture of Region 2 have once again taken center stage as the Regional Grand Bagsakan and 2nd Negosyo Agraryo Fair 2025 opened its doors at Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo, Manila. Running from July 30 to August 3, the event showcases an exciting array of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB) products from across the Cagayan Valley Region.

Organized through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and partner agencies, the fair aims to promote inclusive growth by providing local entrepreneurs, especially agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), a strategic venue to market their products and expand their reach beyond regional borders.

Visitors can explore an array of goods, from processed food, organic produce, handicrafts, native wear, and wellness items, to award-winning agricultural products such as garlic from Nueva Vizcaya, bananas from Isabela, and processed fruit and vegetable products from Cagayan. Each booth tells a story of hard work, resilience, and the dynamic entrepreneurial spirit of the communities in Region 2. The event is not just a marketplace, it's a celebration of local talent, innovation, and the partnerships that empower our agrarian reform communities.

In its second year, the Negosyo Agraryo Fair continues to grow in popularity, drawing in both curious mall-goers and loyal customers seeking authentic regional products.

The Grand Bagsakan is part of DAR’s efforts to strengthen market linkages for ARBs and cooperatives under its Enterprise Development and Economic Support Services (EDESS). It also aligns with DTI’s goal to boost MSME competitiveness under the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program.

Shoppers, foodies, and advocates of local products are invited to visit the fair until August 3 and support the farmers and artisans of Region 2. Admission is free.                                   

Photos: DTI region 02