Four Northern Mindanao producers and a processor of cacao, coconut, and processed fruits and nuts assisted by the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development (RAPID) Growth Project graduated in the pilot batch of the RAPID- Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program.

RAPID-KMME is the first 13-week capacity-building activity that provides a framework for promoting rural enterprises and value chain development. The program covers seven regions and focuses on four industry clusters–coffee, cacao, coconut, and processed fruits & nuts.

A total of 35 mentee-graduates from seven regions presented their Business Improvement Plans (BIPs) after undergoing 12 entrepreneurial modules to help them scale up their businesses and cooperatives. 

The graduates from Northern Mindanao were Kabangasan Mapua Dahilig Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (KAMADA ARC COOP), Malingao Community Services Multipurpose Cooperative (MCOCO), Kiara Small Coconut Farmers Organization, Belayong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (BARBECO), and La Tablea de Cacao.

The virtual graduation was conducted on 25 May 2021 and was graced by RAPID Growth Project Director and DTI-Region 11 Regional Director Edwin O. Banquerigo, DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona, Presidential Adviser of Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion, and Go Negosyo Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Adviser, Engr. Merly Cruz. ♦

Date of Release: 31 May 2021