CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Over P9.9 million in sales was generated in the 8th CARP Regional Trade Fair of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Central Luzon.
About 102 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who are beneficiaries of the government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) participated in the trade fair held at the Marque Mall in Angeles City.
DTI 3 Regional Director Edna Dizon disclosed that this amount is more than last year’s sales at P8.39 million, reflecting the growing market demand and support for locally produced goods.
She stressed that the trade fair stands as a testament to the growing potential of agrarian reform communities in the region and DTI’s commitment to expand opportunities for rural enterprises.
“The success of this year’s trade fair underscores the impact of our continuous support to ARBOs [agrarian reform beneficiary organizations] through capacity building, product development, and access to markets. We are proud of our farmers and cooperatives who continue to elevate the quality of their products and contribute to inclusive rural development,” Dizon added.
Of the total sales, P6.10 million came from cash sales; P2.80 million from booked orders; and P1.01 million more sales under negotiation, reflecting strong market demand and buyer confidence in the products of Central Luzon’s ARBOs.
Records also showed that Pampanga generated the highest sales among the seven provinces with about P4.007 million. It was followed by Nueva Ecija with P2.62 million; Bataan— P894,628.50; Aurora— P579,321; Bulacan– P454,241; Tarlac – P842,444; and Zambales – P521,240.
The fair also featured a special setting dedicated to coconut-based food and non-food items supported under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), to allow participating ARBOs to introduce them to a wider market.
Sales from coconut-based products reached more than P1.9 million from 17 MSMEs, indicating that coconut-based products are creating meaningful livelihood and growth opportunities for MSMEs
Aside from marketing support through trade fairs and market matching, Dizon said DTI continues to support the livelihood component of the government’s agrarian reform program by providing skills training, product development, shared service facilities, and other entrepreneurial assistance to CARP beneficiaries. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)