THE chronicles of Project RD SOFIE continue as Region 2 Director Ma. Sofia Narag of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) visited the Citrus Capital of Luzon – the town of Kasibu in Nueva Vizcaya and met with the citrus and coffee farmers and processors on August 6, 2024.
RD SOFIE means Roving for the Development and Strengthening of Opportunities for Flourishing Industries and Enterprises of Nueva Vizcaya.
This immersion visit aimed to deepen Narag’s understanding of the province’s unique landscape, foster relationships with key officials, and engage directly with micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs.
Aside from visiting the farms to gain first-hand knowledge and experience, Narag sat with the farmers as they raised their concerns about quality farm inputs to help increase supplies and meet the growing demand for Nueva Vizcaya’s coffee and citrus products.
Discussions also revolved around sustainable farming methods, the potential for value-added products, and the expansion of market reach.
Moreover, Narag and the DTI team also mentioned capacity-building programs, collaboration with other government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture to secure quality farm inputs, and the potential for developing Agri-tourism.
Narag also visited the Shared Service Facility (SSF) Projects in the town, specifically the Citrus Processing Center of the Malabing Literacy Organization, Inc. and the Green Beans and Coffee Processing Facility of the Kasibu Coffee Growers Association Inc.
The team also awarded a total of 25 food safety kits to the said SSF beneficiaries under DTI Nueva Vizcaya’s Project SAFE (Strengthening Advocacy on Food Safety Enhancement) by providing personal protective equipment to micro and small enterprises.
These kits which were provided in collaboration with the Cagayan Valley Medical Center in Tuguegarao City included personal protective equipment such as coverall suits, gloves, masks and heavy-duty aprons, ensuring that local MSMEs maintain high standards of hygiene and safety.
Narag and the team from the DTI Region 2 office were accompanied by the DTI Nueva Vizcaya team led by Provincial Director Michael Paggabao.
By engaging directly with farmers and processors, addressing their concerns, and exploring opportunities for sustainable growth and market expansion, Narag’s visit has set the stage for further collaboration and innovation. DTI NUEVA VIZCAYA