To mobilize opportunities for cacao and coffee agribusiness in the Cordilleras, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – CAR through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, conducts a three-day market encounter at SM City Baguio on June 13-15, 2025.

Participating Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) and proprietors are Edna Norial (Love Nature), Eva Ritchelle Padua (Dulche Chocolates), Tuba, Benguet Coffee Growers Association (TUBENGCOGA), Hojap Multipurpose Cooperative, Sagada Coffee Growers and Processors Organization (SACGPO), Itogon Cacao Growers and Processors Association, Paracelis Cacao Industry Farmers Association (PACIFA), and La Trinidad Arabica Coffee Processors Association (LATACPA).

The market encounter is part of the Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investment in Regional Expositions (ASPIRE) Program of DA, in which one of its objectives is to showcase regional commodities, highlighting agri-based products in the region and strengthening the connection between producers and consumers.

The activity’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan, who expressed her appreciation to the enterprises, encouraging them to further improve on their products, making them more competitive not only at the regional but also at the higher market levels.

For Ellaria Calado of Dulche Chocolates, the activity is very helpful for the promotion of Cordilleran products, especially for tourists. “We also gain valuable insights from our customers, such as their preferences. At the same time, we take the opportunity to introduce and share information about Cordillera products that may spark their interest,” she said.

Meanwhile, Leticia Albos-Baddao of PACIFA is thankful as this is a significant opportunity to promote their local products.// Cy-j E. Waytan