To boost the growth and sustainability of small businesses in the province, the Department of Trade and Industry Region 2 (DTI R2) Cagayan, through its Negosyo Center, has conducted a profiling initiative among various industries on 14 March 2024 in Baggao, Cagayan.

The initiative, which focused on the Wearables and Homestyle Industry, Farm Tourism Industry, Cacao Industry, and Bamboo Industry, sought to identify assistance that the agency could provide to the various MSMEs in the area by understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by these businesses and developing strategies to support their expansion.

The following MSMEs were profiled during the initiative:

• Baggao Bluewater Tigergrass Handicrafts Association (W&H Industry)

• Baggao Weavers Association (W&H Industry)

• Balanza Integrated Farm (Cacao and Farm Tourism Industries)

• 3 Diamond Farmers and Developers Association (Farm Tourism Industry)

• SM Viewdeck and Amusement Park (Farm Tourism Industry)

• BF Ecofarm and Leisure Park (Farm Tourism Industry)

• Tesoro’s Bamboo Product Manufacturing (Bamboo Industry)

During the profiling initiative, these MSMEs shared their concerns, reflecting generalized challenges commonly encountered by small businesses, such as access to markets, financial resources, technical assistance, and regulatory compliance.

In response to these concerns, the DTI representatives assured the MSMEs that their issues would be duly noted and raised for further consideration. They reiterated that the DTI R2 is willing to provide support and explore solutions to address the challenges faced by MSMEs in the province.

The profiling was led by TIDS Cherryl Dumayag, Provincial Focal Person for Farm Tourism Industry; TIDS Maricris Galinggana, Provincial Focal Person for Bamboo Industry; Ms. Alpha Jessica Paggabao, Provincial Focal Person for Cacao and Wearables & Homestyle Industries; and Mr. Justine Untalan, Junior Business Counselor (NC Baggao).

Date of release: 20 March 2024