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:
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.
