Biz forum held in IGaCoS

ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL, August 7, 2015 - More than sixty landowners and farmers here participated the IGaCoS’ Investment Forum on Priority Industries (Banana and Cacao) conducted by the City Investment and Tourism Office in partnership with the  Department of Trade and Industry-Davao del Norte Province  at Camp Holiday Beach Resort on July 31.

 The investment forum aims to promote investment opportunities   on banana and cacao to the land owners and farmers to engage in market-driven commodities.   The activity also hopes to promote productivity through utilization of idle land and investment generation.

Cardaba Banana and Cacao industries are among the clusters prioritized by the Department of Trade and Industry-Davao del Norte Provincial Office under its Industry Cluster Development Program.

At present, the demand for cardaba banana is growing that even for Davao del Norte alone, there are five large enterprises engaged in exported Banana chips  and numerous micro-enterprises selling banana chips at the local markets. On the other hand, the global and local demand and supply gap of the cacao industry is also wide, providing more opportunities for farmers to have better income.

DTI-DN Provincial Director Romeo L. Castanaga explained the Comparative Advantage through Industry Cluster Approaches. He emphasized the need to assess and strengthen internal strength of the industry in the island.

With the advent of the ASEAN Integration and being one of the member country,  Castanada stressed the comparative advantage and the need for critical mass development in  the agriculture industry to be able to meet the competitive challenge and demands in the market.

He encouraged the farmers to continue with the initiative with or without the ASEAN Integration but because the project will lead to more and better jobs which is sustainable and offer an inclusive growth.

City Investment and Tourism Officer Jennifer Carriaga appreciated the Investment Forum on  Banana and Cacao Industry  since the local government highly promote the island as an Agri-Eco-Tourism area.

 She pointed-out agribusiness as one of the priority investment area because other investments in the island  require huge power and water resources which meantime the City could not provide.

DTI-XI Industry Development Services Division Engr. Vedastito C. Galvez presented the Cardava Banana Industry Situationer and Roadmap while SAGREX Consultant Mr. Danilo T. Fanlo shared on Investment and Market Opportunities in Cardava Banana Value Chain.

For Cacao Industry, Provincial Director, DTI-DCFO/ DTI National Cacao Industry Cluster Coordinator Engr. Edwin O. Banquerigo talked on Cacao Industry  Situationer and Roadmap and more challenging idea  reinforced by Chocolate de San Isidro Trade Ventures Marketing Director  Mr. Dante Muyco, Jr. who shared on Investment and Market Opportunities in Cacao Value Chain.

The landowners were optimistic of the investment venture and signified commitment and support to the initiative  by signing in  the commitment board. A follow-up activity and training focusing on the propagation, cultivation among others was requested by the participants.

Former City Mayor and Executive Assistant on Economic Affairs Rogelio P. Antalan representing City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan was grateful and optimistic of the initiative because the investment could lead to economic upliftment and eventually answer the FAQ . . where is the garden and where is the city. (MTA Samal Info.)