Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya —  The Department of Trade and Industry – Digital Philippines Group led by Undersecretary Mary Jean T. Pacheco, together with various stakeholders and partners from Shopee, Agro-DigitalPH, Ninja Van Philippines, and Airspeed, visited the citrus farms in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya and had a Business Meeting with the farmers on 1 July 2024 for the Online Fruit Festival.

The Online Fruit Festival aims to assist MSMEs in rural areas by integrating their local products into e-commerce platforms to enhance their revenue opportunities. This initiative is part of the following: (a) DTI’s strategic priorities, particularly in promoting and supporting regional development; (b)Three-year Food Logistics Action on addressing supply chain gaps; and (c) E-Commerce Philippines 2028 Roadmap on promoting the development of e-commerce in agriculture and tourism.

The festival will showcase regional agricultural products and delicacies from across the Philippines.

As the agency’s first step in assessing the viability of the said initiative, the DTI – Digital PH Group and the multi-stakeholder partners visited the province of Nueva Vizcaya eyeing the Citrus Fruits for the online platform.

Aside from visiting the citrus farms in Malabing, Kasibu, the team also met Mr. Alfonso Namujhe, Jr., who is locally renowned as the “Father of Citrus Farming” in the municipality. Aside from discussing how citrus farming began in the town, Mr. Namujhe shared insights on the challenges and opportunities faced by the farmers, as well as on the importance of sustainable farming practices.

After visiting the farms, the parties had a business meeting at the Malabing Valley Multi-Purpose Cooperative, wherein discussions revolved around gathering information both from the demand and supply sides, to help ensure the feasibility of the project. Among the topics tackled include the roles of the stakeholders, the quantity, quality, and lead time for citrus production, the packaging and logistical requirements of transporting the said fruit, costing/pricing, payment options, and delivery/distribution to the consumers particularly those residing in the National Capital Region, among others.

As agreed by all the parties involved, more discussions and meetings will be held both on the sides of the farmers and service providers, to address all the concerns and information gathered on this initial activity.

The visitors were accompanied by Team DTI R2 Nueva Vizcaya led by Provincial Director Atty. Michael B. Paggabao, the NVAT Team led by General Manager Gilbert Cumila, and the representatives from DA-Nueva Vizcaya Experiment Station and the Malabing Valley MPC. ♦

Date of release: 23 July 2024

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