DTI and DA unite to empower Batanes farmers for agricultural advancement | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

With a shared vision of enhancing the Ivatans’ quality of life through entrepreneurship, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 2 Office in partnership with DTI Batanes conducted a Seminar on Simple Bookkeeping, Business Requirements, and Marketing scheduled for 09 July 2024, at the Administrative Conference Hall of the Department of Agriculture – Batanes Experiment Station (DA-BES). This initiative falls under the DA’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), which aims to provide interventions tailored to 5th and 6th-class municipalities. The seminar targets Batanes farmers, aiming to equip them with essential skills and knowledge to enhance their business operations and market presence.

During his opening remarks, Dr. Richard Q. Paddayuman, Station Manager of DA-BES, expressed gratitude to the DA Region 2 Office and DTI R2 Batanes as their active partners in empowering Ivatan farmers through collaborative projects. He highlighted the importance of these collaborations in improving agricultural practices, increasing farmers’ market competitiveness, and promoting sustainable agriculture in Batanes. Dr. Paddayuman emphasized that such partnerships are crucial for uplifting local farmers’ livelihoods, fostering innovation, and building a resilient agricultural community in the province.

DTI R2 Batanes Information Officer and Social Media Account Manager Shane Karenza Alexia B. Horlina discussed the 7Ms of a Successful Entrepreneurship. She emphasized the critical role of an entrepreneurial mindset in business operations and detailed the programs and assistance that DTI offers to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Ms. Horlina also shared her marketing expertise, underscoring the importance of identifying and understanding their target market to effectively reach and engage the desired audience, equipping the Ivatan farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the competitive business landscape.

On another note, Business Name Processor Reymart S. Menor explained the online registration process for business names and other necessary government permits and requirements. He also discussed the benefits of the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE) program, highlighting its advantages for local entrepreneurs. Lastly, Senior Business Counselor Krisha C. Custodio guided the participants through simple bookkeeping, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accurate financial records. She explained how simple bookkeeping helps monitor business growth by tracking income and expenses, enabling entrepreneurs to make informed financial decisions and assess the overall health and progress of their business.

To close the one-day event, Mr. Emelito M. Yuro, Regional SAAD Food Production and Livelihood Sub-Unit Lead provided insights into the SAAD program, highlighting Batanes farmers as the pilot batch for Region 2. He outlined the program’s four components, noting that FCAs have already received production training, and are now progressing towards processing and marketing. The final component will focus on program management. Initiated last year, the program will continue supporting Batanes farmers until 2028, aiming to enhance their agricultural productivity and sustainable livelihoods.

Present during the seminar were DTI R2 Batanes Provincial Director Ellerie Mila G. Ramel represented by Consumer Protection Unit Head Meryll A. Hortiz, and members of the Kayvayvanan nu Umhakaw nu Basco (KUNB).

Date of release: 09 July 2024

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