Officers and staff of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Region 2 met with Kapwa Agri to discuss the possible sourcing of pineapple fiber from farmer coops in Region 2. According to Patrick Doromal, founder of Kapwa Agri, one of their clients produces unique leather out of pineapple fiber. This product is being supplied in Europe and North America, but the factory is based in Laguna, Philippines.

Kapwa Agri is looking at Region 2 as an additional supplier for about three (2) to five (5) tonnes of their fiber requirement per month. The said social enterprise also expressed their willingness to train the beneficiaries of the partnership.

Michael Paggabao, Officer-in-Charge & Division Chief of the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development Division, expressed the agency’s excitement to this development and committed to assist the identified beneficiaries in increasing their productivity.

Two pilot cooperative beneficiaries were identified: the Sta. Ana Pineapple Farmers Cooperative of Cagayan and the Caviteño Isabelino Agriculture Cooperative (CIACO) of Isabela.

DTI – Region 2 and Kapwa Agri will schedule farm visits to assess quality of leaves and get the commitment of the farmer beneficiaries.

Kapwa Agri is a sustainable agricultural start-up engaged in responsible farming, trade and processing of agri-fishery commodities. They also help companies integrate sustainable and ethical practices into their supply chain. ♦

Date of Release: 02 July 2021