ARITAO, Nueva Vizcaya—As part of her immersion visit to the province dubbed under Project RD SOFIE (Roving for the Development and Strengthening of Opportunities for Flourishing Industries and Enterprises of Nueva Vizcaya), Region 2 Director Ma. Sofia Narag visited the Onion Capital in this town on August 6, 2024.
Narag said her visit aimed to deepen her understanding of the province’s unique landscape, foster relationships with key officials, and engage directly with micro, small and medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
During her visit, Narag’s meeting with met with Mayor Remelina Peros-Galam focused on Aritao’s local industries, products, and the joint initiatives between the local government and the DTI, including the recently launched Paleng-QR Program, Price Tag Ordinance, Buy Local Ordinance and the Consumer Welfare Assistance Center, among others.
Narag and Mayor Peros-Galam also toured the Aritao Trading Post and the newly established Onion Cold Storage facility where they met with local farmers and traders.
The visit also included a monitoring activity at the public market to assess compliance with Fair Trade Laws.
Narag praised the market’s cleanliness and the vendors’ adherence to the Price Tag Law, highlighting the town’s commitment to fair trade practices.
In line with the agency’s mission to promote food safety and bolster the local economy, the DTI team awarded over 140 kits to market vendors under DTI Nueva Vizcaya’s Project SAFE (Strengthening Advocacy on Food Safety Enhancement) by providing personal protective equipment to micro and small enterprises).
According to Narag, these kits which were provided in collaboration with the Tuguegarao City-based Cagayan Valley Medical Center included personal protective equipment such as coverall suits, gloves, masks, and heavy-duty aprons, ensuring that local micro and small enterprises maintain high standards of hygiene and safety.
The visit also featured a bamboo planting activity at the Bamboo Nursery and Demonstration Shared Service Facility.
The DTI Region 2 team’s immersion in the town concluded with a meeting with the members of the Kaagapay ng mga Magsasaka, Mangangalakal, at Eksperto sa Pagpoproseso – Nueva Vizcaya Producers Cooperative, wherein they showcased their innovative products, including Pak Gulay Instant Pinakbet and Veggie Crunch.
Narag and the DTI team were accompanied by the DTI Nueva Vizcaya team led by Provincial Director Michael Paggabao.
“True to what it stands for, through Project RD SOFIE, the DTI Nueva Vizcaya continues to bridge gaps, support local industries, and empower MSMEs across the province, demonstrating a shared commitment to sustainable growth and community welfare,” Paggabao said.
Also joining Peros-Galam were Councilor Aura Bless Crizel Galindez and representatives from the local government unit. DTI NUEVA VIZCAYA