Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — In a bid to help One Vizcaya Export Corporation bolster its raw material supply chain, the DTI R2 Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Office led by Provincial Director Atty. Michael B. Paggabao accompanied the representatives of the said company as they embarked on a strategic business visit to Nueva Vizcaya on 24 May 2024.

This activity is an offshoot of the International Food Exposition at the World Trade Center where One Vizcaya Export Corporation was linked to the exhibitors for raw material supplies and potential toll manufacturing partnership for processed products.

Before the onsite visit, One Vizcaya, the DTI, and the DA-NVES first had an alignment meeting, wherein they identified the top commodities needed by the market including ube, ginger, turmeric, calamansi, and banana.

As discussed with the local stakeholders, agreements were reached to address supply chain gaps and concerns, including crop diseases, processing equipment availability, and compliance standards. The DA-NVES pledged technical support to farmers for crop rejuvenation and propagation, ensuring a sustainable supply of sought-after commodities.

During the courtesy visits to local government officials, including Hon. Jose Gambito, Governor of Nueva Vizcaya, and Hon. Tony Bagasao, Mayor of Bayombong, commitments were secured to support agricultural initiatives. 

Governor Gambito expressed support for tripartite agreements between local government units, One Vizcaya Export, and the DTI, signaling a collaborative effort toward economic development. He also asked for the PLGU’s Provincial Planning and Development Office to revisit their community investment plan for agri-commodities data, as well as the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist to conduct a survey of ready commodities in Nueva Vizcaya. The Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office was also present during this meeting.

Moreover, the Governor also mentioned their commitment to allocating a budget for the distribution of calamansi seedlings to farmers/growers and assisting the DA in the rejuvenation of calamansi plantations in the province. He also mentioned that the PLGU shall look into the possibility of allocating funds for the purchase of a blast freezer worth 4 Million once the market for agri-commodities is established.

On his part, Mayor Bagasao pledged to involve farmers and elders in cultivating in-demand crops, proposing to utilize his private farm for pilot projects. 

In addition to governmental support, private sector engagements were fruitful, with agreements made with One Asia Trader and the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT) Inc. for product supply and processing. These partnerships are poised to leverage existing infrastructure and technology to meet export standards, with plans underway for blast freezer utilization and process improvements.

One Vizcaya also made an initial order of 100 cases of One Asia Trader’s coco jam to be delivered in July 2024 and it was agreed that the latter will also be one of the former’s toll manufacturers of turon.

The visit with a plant tour of Kaagapay ng mga Magsasaka Mangangalakal at Eksperto sa Pagpoproseso ng Nueva Vizcaya Producers Cooperative (KMMEPNV), where discussions centered on enhancing the quality of vacuum-fried veggie chips, highlighting the potential for further collaboration in value-added processing.

As agreed by all the parties involved, DTI will monitor the agreements, assist in the compliance of the areas to be improved, and capacitate the MSMEs. The group will also formulate a 2-year plan for the supply of selected commodities such as calamansi and ube. One Vizcaya Corporation shall also provide the DTI with a Gant Chart as a reference for the schedule of supply and delivery of selected commodities.

Also with PD Paggabao were STIDS Ragel Tacazon from DTI Region 2 and STIDS Richard Siuagan,  TIDS Silvester Miguel, and TIDS Ronald Tuddao from DTI R2 NV. ♦

Date of release” 03 July 2024

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