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All

2023_10_16_00_31_26_736065_Article_Pic_-_Empowering_the_RAPID_Growth_Project_Team.png

Anthea%20Aivi%20B%2E%20Ancheta%20%28upper%20left%29%20shares%20her%20knowledge%20in%20article%20writing%3B%20Christian%20C%2E%20Bron%20%28lower%20left%29%20instructs%20participants%20the%20methods%20in%20data%20cleaning%3B%20Jojie%20Ann%20B%2E%20Climaco%2

RCU%208%2C%20knowledge%20management%2C%20article%20writing%2C%20monitoring%20and%20evaluation

The%20Department%20of%20Trade%20and%20Industry%20%28DTI%29%2C%20through%20the%20RAPID%20Growth%20Project%2C%20conducted%20the%20Regional%20Coordination%20Unit%20%28RCU%29%208%20Knowledge%20Management%20%28KM%29%20Regional%20Planning%2C%20Basic%20Article%20Writing%2C%20and%20Monitoring%20and%20Evaluation%20Workshop%20on%20September%2020%2D22%2C%202023%20at%20the%20DTI%208%20Regional%20Office%2E%20It%20was%20attended%20by%20the%2023%20staff%20from%20RCU%20and%20Provincial%20Coordination%20Unit%20%28PCU%29%20of%20Leyte%2C%20Northern%20Samar%2C%20and%20Southern%20Leyte%2E The%20three%2Dday%20event%20covered%20topics%20in%20Knowledge%20Mapping%20and%20Knowledge%20Management%20Planning%3B%20Basic%20Article%20Writing%20and%20High%20Impact%20Presentation%3B%20and%20RAPID%20Growth%20Project’s%20Monitoring%20and%20Evaluation%20Processes%2E%20 As%20an%20output%20of%20the%20activity%2C%20the%20participants%20were%20able%20to%3A%20%28a%29%20draft%20the%20Regional%20KM%20Plan%3B%20%28b%29%20craft%20news%2Ffeature%20articles%20for%20major%20events%20previously%20conducted%3B%20and%20%28c%29%20conduct%20preliminary%20data%20cleaning%20of%20the%20Value%20Chain%20Stakeholders%20initially%20profiled%20per%20PCU%2E The%20knowledge%2Dsharing%20activity%20was%20made%20possible%20with%20the%20experts%20from%20the%20National%20Project%20Coordination%20Office%20%28NPCO%29%2C%20namely%2C%20Sandra%20Isabel%20O%2E%20Cayanong%2C%20Communication%20and%20Knowledge%20Management%20Specialist%3B%20Jojie%20Ann%20B%2E%20Climaco%2C%20Project%20Monitoring%20and%20Evaluation%20Officer%3B%20Christian%20C%2E%20Bron%2C%20Information%20System%20Analyst%2E%20Anthea%20Aivi%20B%2E%20Ancheta%2C%20Information%20Officer%20III%20of%20DTI%208%2C%20also%20served%20as%20resource%20person%20during%20the%20event%2E With%20the%20event%2C%20the%20RAPID%20Growth%20Project%20staff%20are%20expected%20to%20effectively%20fast%2Dtrack%20the%20development%20of%20RAPID%20knowledge%20products%20and%20monitoring%20of%20the%20project’s%20progress%2E%20Ultimately%2C%20the%20session%20fosters%20a%20culture%20of%20continuous%20learning%20and%20collaboration%2C%20enhancing%20decision%2Dmaking%2C%20problem%2Dsolving%2C%20and%20overall%20performance%2E%20

RCU%20VIII

Representatives%20from%20various%20agencies%2C%20including%20the%20National%20Economic%20and%20Development%20Authority%2012%2C%20Philippine%20Coconut%20Authority%2012%2C%20Small%20Business%20Corp%2E%2C%20Department%20of%20Public%20Works%20and%20Highway%2012%2C%20Department%20of%20Agrarian%20Reform%2012%2C%20and%20Department%20of%20Agriculture%2012%2C%20attended%20the%20meeting%2E%20%20Updates%20on%20the%20implementation%20of%20the%20R12%20Nestle%20Plus%20DIP%20and%20R12%20KFI%20Plus%20DIP%20were%20also%20discussed%20in%20the%20meeting%2E The%20approval%20of%20the%20DIPs%20by%20the%20RTWG%20members%20is%20a%20prerequisite%20for%20their%20submission%20to%20the%20International%20Fund%20for%20Agricultural%20Development%20%28IFAD%29%2E%20  These%20DIPs%2C%20once%20approved%20by%20IFAD%2C%20shall%20be%20instrumental%20in%20providing%20interventions%20to%20increase%20the%20incomes%20of%2012%20farmer%20organizations%20consisting%20of%20720%20smallholder%20farmer%20members%20in%20the%20provinces%20of%20Cotabato%20and%20Sarangani%20combined%2E The%20RAPID%20Growth%20Project%20is%20an%20IFAD%2Dassisted%20initiative%20with%20the%20goal%20of%20reducing%20poverty%20incidence%20in%20the%20target%20areas%20by%20increasing%20the%20income%20of%20smallholder%20farmers%20by%2060%%20across%20selected%20agri%2Dbased%20value%20chains%2E%2DEND

All

2023_06_09_10_11_37_675828_349178424_1289491238588038_4018359981133737924_n.jpg

RAPID%2012%20RTWG%20Members

Region%20XII%2C%20Cardava%20Banana%2C%20Coffee%2C%20Liberty%20Fruits%2C%20Kennemer%20Foods%2C%20DIP%20

Representatives%20from%20various%20agencies%2C%20including%20the%20National%20Economic%20and%20Development%20Authority%2012%2C%20Philippine%20Coconut%20Authority%2012%2C%20Small%20Business%20Corp%2E%2C%20Department%20of%20Public%20Works%20and%20Highway%2012%2C%20Department%20of%20Agrarian%20Reform%2012%2C%20and%20Department%20of%20Agriculture%2012%2C%20attended%20the%20meeting%2E%20%20Updates%20on%20the%20implementation%20of%20the%20R12%20Nestle%20Plus%20DIP%20and%20R12%20KFI%20Plus%20DIP%20were%20also%20discussed%20in%20the%20meeting%2E The%20approval%20of%20the%20DIPs%20by%20the%20RTWG%20members%20is%20a%20prerequisite%20for%20their%20submission%20to%20the%20International%20Fund%20for%20Agricultural%20Development%20%28IFAD%29%2E%20  These%20DIPs%2C%20once%20approved%20by%20IFAD%2C%20shall%20be%20instrumental%20in%20providing%20interventions%20to%20increase%20the%20incomes%20of%2012%20farmer%20organizations%20consisting%20of%20720%20smallholder%20farmer%20members%20in%20the%20provinces%20of%20Cotabato%20and%20Sarangani%20combined%2E The%20RAPID%20Growth%20Project%20is%20an%20IFAD%2Dassisted%20initiative%20with%20the%20goal%20of%20reducing%20poverty%20incidence%20in%20the%20target%20areas%20by%20increasing%20the%20income%20of%20smallholder%20farmers%20by%2060%%20across%20selected%20agri%2Dbased%20value%20chains%2E%2DEND

RCU%20XII

DTI%2C%20through%20the%20Rural%20Agro%2Denterprise%20Partnership%20for%20Inclusive%20Development%20and%20Growth%20Project%20or%20RAPID%20Growth%20Project%2C%20provides%20assistance%20to%20MSMEs%20in%20establishing%20strong%20backward%20and%20forward%20linkages%20with%20farmers%20in%20the%20coffee%2C%20cacao%2C%20coconut%2C%20and%20processed%20fruits%20and%20nuts%20industries%2E%20%20These%20partnerships%20aim%20to%20yield%20higher%20value%2Dadded%20products%2C%20improve%20market%20access%2C%20and%20increase%20the%20incomes%20of%20smallholder%20farmers%20and%20MSMEs%3B%20in%20effect%2C%20generating%20jobs%20and%20livelihood%20opportunities%20in%20farming%20communities%2E The%20six%20RAPID%2Dassisted%20MSMEs%20were%20Kalamansig%20Farmers%20Agricultural%20Development%20and%20Marketing%20Association%20%28KFADMA%29%2C%20Keytodac%20Coffee%20Growers%20Inc%2E%20%28KCGI%29%2C%20Villamonte%20Coffee%20Growers%20Association%20Inc%2E%20%28VCGAI%29%2C%20Greentropics%20Enterprise%2C%20and%20Kalamansig%20Coffee%20Federation%2E Organized%20by%20the%20Coffee%20Heritage%20Project%2C%20the%20Manila%20Coffee%20Festival%20is%20an%20annual%20celebration%20of%20the%20best%20of%20Philippine%20coffee%2C%20where%20Filipino%20coffee%20growers%20and%20aficionados%20blend%20well%20with%20Filipino%20coffee%20culture%2C%20enjoying%20various%20activities%20such%20as%20latte%20art%20workshops%2C%20live%20coffee%20demonstrations%2C%20and%20insightful%20discussions%20about%20the%20coffee%20industry%20from%20among%20a%20hundred%20exhibitors%2E%20%20Here%20market%20matching%20and%20booking%20between%20MSMEs%20and%20institutional%20coffee%20buyers%20also%20take%20place%2E%20 Heading%20the%20Region%2012%20delegation%20was%20Regional%20Director%20Flora%20Politud%2DGabunales%2C%20who%20said%20in%20an%20interview%20that%20the%20coffee%20producers%20and%20processors%20of%20Region%2012%20are%20now%20seeing%20the%20importance%20of%20observing%20good%20agricultural%20and%20production%20practices%20as%20these%20will%20lead%20to%20high%2Dquality%20coffee%2C%20which%20in%20turn%20can%20fetch%20a%20higher%20selling%20price%2C%20especially%20among%20the%20specialty%20coffee%20buyers%2E    She%20added%20that%20like%20the%20Manila%20Coffee%20Festival%2C%20DTI%2DXII%20also%20has%20its%20own%20local%20version%20of%20the%20latter%2E%20%20“The%20Kape%20Dose%20Coffee%20Quality%20Competition%2C%20which%20was%20spearheaded%20by%20DTI%2012%2C%20is%20a%20recognition%20of%20the%20most%20flavorful%20and%20aromatic%20coffee%20of%20Region%2012%2E%20Through%20the%20competition%2C%20we%20provide%20an%20opportunity%20for%20coffee%20farmers%20to%20have%20their%20coffee%20assessed%20by%20the%20Q%20Graders%20of%20the%20Region%2E%20Those%20deemed%20specialty%20Arabica%20and%20fine%20Robusta%20are%20being%20marketed%20as%20the%20best%20coffee%20of%20Region%2012%20and%2C%20therefore%2C%20are%20being%20sold%20at%20a%20premium%20price%2C”%20said%20Politud%2DGabunales%2E    Politud%2DGabunales%20also%20added%20that%20“SOCCSKSARGEN%2C%20being%20the%20number%20one%20coffee%20producer%20in%20the%20country%20in%20terms%20of%20volume%20produced%2C%20and%20being%20the%20largest%20hectarage%20planted%2C%20DTI%2DXII%20partners%20with%20other%20national%20line%20agencies%2C%20NGOs%2C%20and%20academia%2C%20to%20increase%20the%20number%20of%20coffee%20farmers%20who%20are%20producing%20quality%20coffee%2C%20reinforcing%20the%20claim%20of%20Region%2012%20as%20the%20Coffee%20Capital%20of%20the%20Philippines%2E%22 According%20to%20the%20Philippine%20Statistics%20Authority%20website%2C%20SOCCSKSARGEN%20remains%20to%20be%20the%20highest%20producer%20of%20coffee%20with%20a%20production%20of%203%2E15%20thousand%20metric%20tons%20or%2033%2E4%20percent%20of%20the%20country’s%20total%20coffee%20production%20for%20the%20first%20quarter%20this%20year%2E%20This%20was%20followed%20by%20Northern%20Mindanao%20with%20a%2013%2E7%20percent%20share%20and%20Davao%20Region%20with%20a%2012%2E3%20percent%20share%2E One%20of%20the%20highlights%20of%20the%20festival%20was%20the%20“Single%20Origin%20Bar”%20–%20a%2020%2Dfoot%20long%20coffee%20bar%20that%20showcased%20the%20best%20of%20the%20best%20single%2Dorigin%20coffees%20from%20around%20the%20country%20through%20different%20brewing%20demonstrations%20and%20free%2Dtasting%20sessions%2E%2DEND

All

2023_06_09_10_10_29_816212_338324760_980805369748595_8245426847858669635_n.jpg

DTI%20RAPID%2012%20Booth

Region%20XII%2C%20Coffee%2C%20Manila%20Coffee%20festival

DTI%2C%20through%20the%20Rural%20Agro%2Denterprise%20Partnership%20for%20Inclusive%20Development%20and%20Growth%20Project%20or%20RAPID%20Growth%20Project%2C%20provides%20assistance%20to%20MSMEs%20in%20establishing%20strong%20backward%20and%20forward%20linkages%20with%20farmers%20in%20the%20coffee%2C%20cacao%2C%20coconut%2C%20and%20processed%20fruits%20and%20nuts%20industries%2E%20%20These%20partnerships%20aim%20to%20yield%20higher%20value%2Dadded%20products%2C%20improve%20market%20access%2C%20and%20increase%20the%20incomes%20of%20smallholder%20farmers%20and%20MSMEs%3B%20in%20effect%2C%20generating%20jobs%20and%20livelihood%20opportunities%20in%20farming%20communities%2E The%20six%20RAPID%2Dassisted%20MSMEs%20were%20Kalamansig%20Farmers%20Agricultural%20Development%20and%20Marketing%20Association%20%28KFADMA%29%2C%20Keytodac%20Coffee%20Growers%20Inc%2E%20%28KCGI%29%2C%20Villamonte%20Coffee%20Growers%20Association%20Inc%2E%20%28VCGAI%29%2C%20Greentropics%20Enterprise%2C%20and%20Kalamansig%20Coffee%20Federation%2E Organized%20by%20the%20Coffee%20Heritage%20Project%2C%20the%20Manila%20Coffee%20Festival%20is%20an%20annual%20celebration%20of%20the%20best%20of%20Philippine%20coffee%2C%20where%20Filipino%20coffee%20growers%20and%20aficionados%20blend%20well%20with%20Filipino%20coffee%20culture%2C%20enjoying%20various%20activities%20such%20as%20latte%20art%20workshops%2C%20live%20coffee%20demonstrations%2C%20and%20insightful%20discussions%20about%20the%20coffee%20industry%20from%20among%20a%20hundred%20exhibitors%2E%20%20Here%20market%20matching%20and%20booking%20between%20MSMEs%20and%20institutional%20coffee%20buyers%20also%20take%20place%2E%20 Heading%20the%20Region%2012%20delegation%20was%20Regional%20Director%20Flora%20Politud%2DGabunales%2C%20who%20said%20in%20an%20interview%20that%20the%20coffee%20producers%20and%20processors%20of%20Region%2012%20are%20now%20seeing%20the%20importance%20of%20observing%20good%20agricultural%20and%20production%20practices%20as%20these%20will%20lead%20to%20high%2Dquality%20coffee%2C%20which%20in%20turn%20can%20fetch%20a%20higher%20selling%20price%2C%20especially%20among%20the%20specialty%20coffee%20buyers%2E    She%20added%20that%20like%20the%20Manila%20Coffee%20Festival%2C%20DTI%2DXII%20also%20has%20its%20own%20local%20version%20of%20the%20latter%2E%20%20“The%20Kape%20Dose%20Coffee%20Quality%20Competition%2C%20which%20was%20spearheaded%20by%20DTI%2012%2C%20is%20a%20recognition%20of%20the%20most%20flavorful%20and%20aromatic%20coffee%20of%20Region%2012%2E%20Through%20the%20competition%2C%20we%20provide%20an%20opportunity%20for%20coffee%20farmers%20to%20have%20their%20coffee%20assessed%20by%20the%20Q%20Graders%20of%20the%20Region%2E%20Those%20deemed%20specialty%20Arabica%20and%20fine%20Robusta%20are%20being%20marketed%20as%20the%20best%20coffee%20of%20Region%2012%20and%2C%20therefore%2C%20are%20being%20sold%20at%20a%20premium%20price%2C”%20said%20Politud%2DGabunales%2E    Politud%2DGabunales%20also%20added%20that%20“SOCCSKSARGEN%2C%20being%20the%20number%20one%20coffee%20producer%20in%20the%20country%20in%20terms%20of%20volume%20produced%2C%20and%20being%20the%20largest%20hectarage%20planted%2C%20DTI%2DXII%20partners%20with%20other%20national%20line%20agencies%2C%20NGOs%2C%20and%20academia%2C%20to%20increase%20the%20number%20of%20coffee%20farmers%20who%20are%20producing%20quality%20coffee%2C%20reinforcing%20the%20claim%20of%20Region%2012%20as%20the%20Coffee%20Capital%20of%20the%20Philippines%2E%22 According%20to%20the%20Philippine%20Statistics%20Authority%20website%2C%20SOCCSKSARGEN%20remains%20to%20be%20the%20highest%20producer%20of%20coffee%20with%20a%20production%20of%203%2E15%20thousand%20metric%20tons%20or%2033%2E4%20percent%20of%20the%20country’s%20total%20coffee%20production%20for%20the%20first%20quarter%20this%20year%2E%20This%20was%20followed%20by%20Northern%20Mindanao%20with%20a%2013%2E7%20percent%20share%20and%20Davao%20Region%20with%20a%2012%2E3%20percent%20share%2E One%20of%20the%20highlights%20of%20the%20festival%20was%20the%20“Single%20Origin%20Bar”%20–%20a%2020%2Dfoot%20long%20coffee%20bar%20that%20showcased%20the%20best%20of%20the%20best%20single%2Dorigin%20coffees%20from%20around%20the%20country%20through%20different%20brewing%20demonstrations%20and%20free%2Dtasting%20sessions%2E%2DEND

RCU%20XII

DAVAO%20CITY%20%2D%20The%20project’s%20Regional%20Coordinating%20Unit%20%28RCU%29%2011%20spearheaded%20the%20RAPID%20Regional%20Agri%2DBased%20Value%20Chain%20Financing%20Forum%20and%20Launching%20of%20the%20Compendium%20of%20Financial%20Products%20for%20Agri%2DBased%20Value%20Chain%20Stakeholders%20on%20December%209%2C%202022%2C%20in%20Davao%20City%2E    This%20aims%20to%20connect%20the%20project%20proponents%20and%20other%20relevant%20value%20chain%20stakeholders%20to%20different%20government%20and%20private%20financing%20institutions%2E%20Likewise%2C%20this%20is%20seen%20to%20address%20the%20project%27s%20weakness%20in%20the%20financing%20aspect%2C%20which%20is%20crucial%20for%20the%20success%20of%20the%20value%20chain%20upscaling%20models%20of%20the%20supply%20chains%2C%20as%20outlined%20in%20the%20approved%20Detailed%20Investments%20Plans%20%28DIPs%29%2E    DTI%2DDavao%20del%20Norte%20Provincial%20Director%20Romeo%20L%2E%20Castañaga%20shared%20that%20the%20forum%20focused%20on%20the%20importance%20of%20value%20chain%2Dbased%20financing%20to%20improve%20both%20business%20efficiency%20and%20competitiveness%2E    “This%20was%20designed%20for%20those%20proponents%20who%20have%20financing%20and%2For%20matching%20grant%20counterpart%20needs%20and%20inputs%20in%20their%20farm%20production%2C”%20said%20Castañaga%2C%20who%20also%20sits%20as%20the%20regional%20head%20of%20the%20project%2E    The%20participating%20government%20financial%20institutions%20%28GFIs%29%20were%20the%20Development%20Bank%20of%20the%20Philippines%20and%20the%20Land%20Bank%20of%20the%20Philippines%2E%20Meanwhile%2C%20the%20Bank%20of%20Commerce%2C%20China%20Bank%2C%20Bank%20of%20Philippine%20Islands%2C%20and%20Sta%2E%20Ana%20Multipurpose%20Cooperative%20represented%20the%20private%20sector%2E The%20invited%20banks%20discussed%20their%20financing%20options%20as%20well%20as%20their%20efforts%20to%20streamline%20their%20lending%20procedures%20to%20better%20serve%20the%20needs%20of%20smaller%20borrowers%2E%20To%20ensure%20that%20financing%20assistance%20is%20provided%20to%20qualified%20potential%20borrowers%2C%20the%20DTI%2DRAPID%20Growth%20Project%20may%20assist%20in%20organizing%20a%20convergence%20group%20of%20government%20financial%20institutions%20and%20private%20banks%2E%20More%20credit%20facilities%20may%20be%20made%20available%20to%20suitable%20borrowers%20as%20more%20banks%20become%20aware%20of%20the%20project%2E    Castañaga%20emphasized%20the%20importance%20of%20understanding%20the%20right%20kind%20of%20financing%20for%20agricultural%20endeavors%20and%20the%20benefits%20it%20can%20bring%20to%20the%20identified%20farmer%20organization%20beneficiaries%20that%20are%20rehabilitating%20and%20expanding%20their%20respective%20farms%2E    The%20DTI%2DRAPID%20Growth%20Project%20is%20promoting%20the%20inclusiveness%20of%20its%20activities%20in%20making%20farmer%20organizations%20part%20of%20the%20agricultural%20supply%20chains%2E%20The%20gaps%20within%20the%20agricultural%20supply%20chains%20needed%20to%20be%20addressed%20starting%20with%20the%20most%20appropriate%20financing%20programs%2E%20These%20can%20help%20financial%20institutions%20in%20addressing%20lending%20risk%20concerns%20among%20smaller%20farmers%2E    “Participating%20in%20the%20network%20of%20agricultural%20supply%20chains%20has%20other%20definite%20advantages%20for%20farmer%20organizations%2C%20such%20as%20the%20opportunity%20to%20get%20bulk%20discounts%20on%20farm%20inputs%20from%20anchor%20firms%2E%20For%20farmers%20to%20become%20more%20competitive%2C%20this%20eventually%20leads%20to%20decreased%20input%20costs%20%28or%20expenses%29%2C”%20a%20local%20trade%20official%20noted%2E      Recently%2C%20the%20project%20completed%20a%20survey%20on%20Mindanao%20MSMEs%27%20access%20to%20financial%20services%20for%20a%20major%20international%20financial%20institution%2E%20Following%20this%20survey%2C%20a%20compendium%20of%20financial%20products%20that%20details%20its%20terms%20and%20requirements%20will%20be%20provided%2C%20allowing%20farmers%27%20organizations%20and%20MSMEs%20a%20variety%20of%20financing%20options%2E%20This%20shall%20be%20distributed%20to%20the%20RAPID%2Dassisted%20farmers%20and%20other%20relevant%20value%20chain%20and%20project%20stakeholders%2E

All

2023_06_09_08_27_00_603715_RAPID_Regional_Agri-based_Value_Chain_Financing_Forum_and_Launching_of_RCU_11_Compendium_of_Financial_Products.jpg

The%20project’s%20Regional%20Coordinating%20Unit%20%28RCU%29%2011%20spearheaded%20the%20RAPID%20Regional%20Agri%2DBased%20Value%20Chain%20Financing%20Forum%20and%20Launching%20of%20the%20Compendium%20of%20Financial%20Products%20for%20Agri%2DBased%20Value%

DAVAO%20CITY%20%2D%20The%20project’s%20Regional%20Coordinating%20Unit%20%28RCU%29%2011%20spearheaded%20the%20RAPID%20Regional%20Agri%2DBased%20Value%20Chain%20Financing%20Forum%20and%20Launching%20of%20the%20Compendium%20of%20Financial%20Products%20for%20Agri%2DBased%20Value%20Chain%20Stakeholders%20on%20December%209%2C%202022%2C%20in%20Davao%20City%2E    This%20aims%20to%20connect%20the%20project%20proponents%20and%20other%20relevant%20value%20chain%20stakeholders%20to%20different%20government%20and%20private%20financing%20institutions%2E%20Likewise%2C%20this%20is%20seen%20to%20address%20the%20project%27s%20weakness%20in%20the%20financing%20aspect%2C%20which%20is%20crucial%20for%20the%20success%20of%20the%20value%20chain%20upscaling%20models%20of%20the%20supply%20chains%2C%20as%20outlined%20in%20the%20approved%20Detailed%20Investments%20Plans%20%28DIPs%29%2E    DTI%2DDavao%20del%20Norte%20Provincial%20Director%20Romeo%20L%2E%20Castañaga%20shared%20that%20the%20forum%20focused%20on%20the%20importance%20of%20value%20chain%2Dbased%20financing%20to%20improve%20both%20business%20efficiency%20and%20competitiveness%2E    “This%20was%20designed%20for%20those%20proponents%20who%20have%20financing%20and%2For%20matching%20grant%20counterpart%20needs%20and%20inputs%20in%20their%20farm%20production%2C”%20said%20Castañaga%2C%20who%20also%20sits%20as%20the%20regional%20head%20of%20the%20project%2E    The%20participating%20government%20financial%20institutions%20%28GFIs%29%20were%20the%20Development%20Bank%20of%20the%20Philippines%20and%20the%20Land%20Bank%20of%20the%20Philippines%2E%20Meanwhile%2C%20the%20Bank%20of%20Commerce%2C%20China%20Bank%2C%20Bank%20of%20Philippine%20Islands%2C%20and%20Sta%2E%20Ana%20Multipurpose%20Cooperative%20represented%20the%20private%20sector%2E The%20invited%20banks%20discussed%20their%20financing%20options%20as%20well%20as%20their%20efforts%20to%20streamline%20their%20lending%20procedures%20to%20better%20serve%20the%20needs%20of%20smaller%20borrowers%2E%20To%20ensure%20that%20financing%20assistance%20is%20provided%20to%20qualified%20potential%20borrowers%2C%20the%20DTI%2DRAPID%20Growth%20Project%20may%20assist%20in%20organizing%20a%20convergence%20group%20of%20government%20financial%20institutions%20and%20private%20banks%2E%20More%20credit%20facilities%20may%20be%20made%20available%20to%20suitable%20borrowers%20as%20more%20banks%20become%20aware%20of%20the%20project%2E    Castañaga%20emphasized%20the%20importance%20of%20understanding%20the%20right%20kind%20of%20financing%20for%20agricultural%20endeavors%20and%20the%20benefits%20it%20can%20bring%20to%20the%20identified%20farmer%20organization%20beneficiaries%20that%20are%20rehabilitating%20and%20expanding%20their%20respective%20farms%2E    The%20DTI%2DRAPID%20Growth%20Project%20is%20promoting%20the%20inclusiveness%20of%20its%20activities%20in%20making%20farmer%20organizations%20part%20of%20the%20agricultural%20supply%20chains%2E%20The%20gaps%20within%20the%20agricultural%20supply%20chains%20needed%20to%20be%20addressed%20starting%20with%20the%20most%20appropriate%20financing%20programs%2E%20These%20can%20help%20financial%20institutions%20in%20addressing%20lending%20risk%20concerns%20among%20smaller%20farmers%2E    “Participating%20in%20the%20network%20of%20agricultural%20supply%20chains%20has%20other%20definite%20advantages%20for%20farmer%20organizations%2C%20such%20as%20the%20opportunity%20to%20get%20bulk%20discounts%20on%20farm%20inputs%20from%20anchor%20firms%2E%20For%20farmers%20to%20become%20more%20competitive%2C%20this%20eventually%20leads%20to%20decreased%20input%20costs%20%28or%20expenses%29%2C”%20a%20local%20trade%20official%20noted%2E      Recently%2C%20the%20project%20completed%20a%20survey%20on%20Mindanao%20MSMEs%27%20access%20to%20financial%20services%20for%20a%20major%20international%20financial%20institution%2E%20Following%20this%20survey%2C%20a%20compendium%20of%20financial%20products%20that%20details%20its%20terms%20and%20requirements%20will%20be%20provided%2C%20allowing%20farmers%27%20organizations%20and%20MSMEs%20a%20variety%20of%20financing%20options%2E%20This%20shall%20be%20distributed%20to%20the%20RAPID%2Dassisted%20farmers%20and%20other%20relevant%20value%20chain%20and%20project%20stakeholders%2E

RCU%20XI

The Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project underwent a Supervision and Implementation Support Mission (SISM) last March 21 – April 1, 2022 to track the progress of the project and assess the areas that the project has to improve to fast track its implementation. The IFAD-Philippines Team with their respective consultants, and the National Economic Development Authority formed the SISM Team. The series of activities conducted during the mission enabled the project implementers to communicate their accomplishments, good practices, and challenges in implementing the project. It also enabled the Mission Team to visit the Regional Coordination Units and their stakeholders which provided them with a clear picture on the ground which served as the basis of the Aide Memoire issued by IFAD. The Aide Memoire is the primary document that entails the result of the Mission and the agreed actions which are expected to be implemented in the succeeding months.

All

2023_03_27_05_28_41_022603_Untitled-1.gif

The Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project underwent a Supervision and Implementation Support Mission (SISM) last March 21 – April 1, 2022 to track the progress of the project and assess the areas tha

The Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project underwent a Supervision and Implementation Support Mission (SISM) last March 21 – April 1, 2022 to track the progress of the project and assess the areas that the project has to improve to fast track its implementation. The IFAD-Philippines Team with their respective consultants, and the National Economic Development Authority formed the SISM Team. The series of activities conducted during the mission enabled the project implementers to communicate their accomplishments, good practices, and challenges in implementing the project. It also enabled the Mission Team to visit the Regional Coordination Units and their stakeholders which provided them with a clear picture on the ground which served as the basis of the Aide Memoire issued by IFAD. The Aide Memoire is the primary document that entails the result of the Mission and the agreed actions which are expected to be implemented in the succeeding months.

RCU VIII

The Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project, an investment project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), launched three (3) farm-to-market road rehabilitation sub-projects early this year, alongside with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as the overall chair, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as technical support, and the Local Government Units of Leyte, Bukidnon, and Kapalong as implementers. A two-kilometer proposed farm-to-market road rehabilitation in Brgy. Tinambacan, Jaro, Leyte is the first for RAPID which launched in May 30, 2022. Second is the improvement of a 3.4 kilometer farm-to-market road in Kaatuan, Lantapan, Bukidnon, which launched in June 17, 2022. Third is the 2.7 kilometer farm-to-market road in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, which stretches from New Agno, Brgy. Mabantao (Purok Sampalok), to Mabuhay (Purok 6A), Brgy. Capungagan, launched in June 20, 2022. These milestones are early gains from one of RAPID’s expected outcomes – that SMEs secure the necessary access to producers, markets and suitable investment finance, under the Project’s Farm-to-Market Infrastructure (FMI) service sub-component. As part of the Project’s holistic approach in providing the necessary services to the entire value chain (of Cacao, Coffee, Coconut and processed fruits and nuts), such as providing direct assistance to enterprises, the FMI serves as a conduit in linking MSMEs and large firms as markets to farmers as producers, and in the process, create opportunities for increased income and job generation among farming households and communities. What is significant about these FMI sub-projects is its strategic importance, as not only providing access and serving the needs of production areas, but also to the rest of agricultural value chain consisting of Farmers’ Organizations and MSMEs that can be buyers, processors, traders, and consolidators, and other VC actors, as well as to the larger community that can benefit from the rehabilitation of these roads. These roads undergone a thorough review and evaluation process by the RTWG-FMI and selected based on the following considerations: critical role to its linkage to production areas, identified and prioritized under RAPID’s Detailed Investment Plans where the local government has financial capability to put up a 5% counterpart fund, technical capability to oversee the project implementation, conduct the required engineering surveys, preparation of DED, Plans and Program of Work. Currently, RAPID is expected to expand its reach in 8 more FMI sub-projects soon, spread in all 7 regions (Regions 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Caraga and BARMM) where the Project operates, leading the road to recovery in selected farming communities.

All

2023_03_27_03_24_35_230575_Groundbreaking_of_Brgy._Tinambacan_Jaro_Leyte_FMR_May_30_2022_1.jpg

Groundbreaking of the farm%2Dto%2Dmarket road in Jaro%2C Leyte

The Rural Agro%2DEnterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth %28RAPID Growth%29 Project%2C an investment project of the Department of Trade and Industry %28DTI%29%2C funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development %28IFAD%29%

The Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project, an investment project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), launched three (3) farm-to-market road rehabilitation sub-projects early this year, alongside with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as the overall chair, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as technical support, and the Local Government Units of Leyte, Bukidnon, and Kapalong as implementers. A two-kilometer proposed farm-to-market road rehabilitation in Brgy. Tinambacan, Jaro, Leyte is the first for RAPID which launched in May 30, 2022. Second is the improvement of a 3.4 kilometer farm-to-market road in Kaatuan, Lantapan, Bukidnon, which launched in June 17, 2022. Third is the 2.7 kilometer farm-to-market road in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, which stretches from New Agno, Brgy. Mabantao (Purok Sampalok), to Mabuhay (Purok 6A), Brgy. Capungagan, launched in June 20, 2022. These milestones are early gains from one of RAPID’s expected outcomes – that SMEs secure the necessary access to producers, markets and suitable investment finance, under the Project’s Farm-to-Market Infrastructure (FMI) service sub-component. As part of the Project’s holistic approach in providing the necessary services to the entire value chain (of Cacao, Coffee, Coconut and processed fruits and nuts), such as providing direct assistance to enterprises, the FMI serves as a conduit in linking MSMEs and large firms as markets to farmers as producers, and in the process, create opportunities for increased income and job generation among farming households and communities. What is significant about these FMI sub-projects is its strategic importance, as not only providing access and serving the needs of production areas, but also to the rest of agricultural value chain consisting of Farmers’ Organizations and MSMEs that can be buyers, processors, traders, and consolidators, and other VC actors, as well as to the larger community that can benefit from the rehabilitation of these roads. These roads undergone a thorough review and evaluation process by the RTWG-FMI and selected based on the following considerations: critical role to its linkage to production areas, identified and prioritized under RAPID’s Detailed Investment Plans where the local government has financial capability to put up a 5% counterpart fund, technical capability to oversee the project implementation, conduct the required engineering surveys, preparation of DED, Plans and Program of Work. Currently, RAPID is expected to expand its reach in 8 more FMI sub-projects soon, spread in all 7 regions (Regions 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Caraga and BARMM) where the Project operates, leading the road to recovery in selected farming communities.

RCU XI