Market pro: Bicol products now ready for international market

By Keren Anne Bernadas

NAGA City --- Given the new directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a more competitive and sustainable agriculture and fisheries sector, a market specialist from the Department of Agriculture has assessed that the local agricultural products from Bicol Region are now ready for national and international market. This was based on its boosting efforts on enterprise development initiatives.

AROUND 54 agricultural exhibitors joined in ASPIRE this year. Photos from Jam Madrid (PIA5/ Camarines Sur)

“The DA AMAS (Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service) will participate and collaborate more with the private sector in the conduct of local trade promotion activities,” Trinidad Carlos, market specialist II of DA-AMAS said during the opening ceremony of ASPIRE, the annual Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investment in Regional Expositions, on October 14 at SM City Naga.

The ASPIRE, now on its 5th year was pegged with theme, “Retune and Remake to the new normal,” was conducted just in time for the celebration of the 18th Bicol Business Month.

With the needs of the times to embrace the new normal, Carlos said, farmers, fisherfolk and even the private business shall adapt to the transitions in the marketing system.

“We aim to input solid foundation and equip them necessary market skills and knowledge as well as develop more market opportunities for our farmers and fisherfolk,” Carlos said.

In order to do this, she said that Bicol products shall level up to attain global competitiveness, enhance product packaging, comply to international standard and secure additional certifications.

Pertaining to ASPIRE, Mary Grace Rodriguez, chief of DA 5 Field Operations Division, said in her message that this kind of exposition serves as center stage and windows of opportunities can be available for budding entrepreneurs.

“Matutulungan natin ang ating mga entrepreneurs to explore their market opportunities not only in the local but also in the national and international markets,” Rodriguez said.