More young entrepreneurs in the Cordillera are venturing into agriculture and food production, signaling a shift from the technology-focused businesses that gained popularity in recent years, the Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera (DTI-CAR) said Thursday.
“We are seeing that five years after the pandemic, many young entrepreneurs are returning to agri-based industries,” DTI-CAR Regional Director Samuel Gallardo said during the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Week press conference at SM City Baguio.
Gallardo cited young entrepreneurs engaged in mushroom production in Tuba, Benguet, as well as tilapia farming and coffee production across the region.
“It is surprising and heartwarming to see that the youth are not only interested in technology-based businesses but are also going back to the basics of food production,” he said.
He said the trend is encouraging, especially as the country’s farming population continues to age.
Among the region’s success stories is a coffee producer from La Trinidad, Benguet, who sold his coffee beans for PHP9,999 during a bidding at a national coffee cupping competition.
Gallardo said the DTI continues to support aspiring and expanding entrepreneurs through business training, mentoring, counseling and access to financing.
“We provide various training programs, counseling and even capitalization through soft loans,” he said.
He said the agency’s Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) program offers assistance in product development, labeling, packaging, financial management and bookkeeping to help MSMEs become more competitive.
Lawyer Zosimo Abratique, regional governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Cordillera, said young entrepreneurs in the region are engaged in a wide range of businesses.
“We have programs that encourage young entrepreneurs by exposing them to opportunities and providing linkages that can help grow their enterprises,” Abratique said.
He encouraged aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to participate in the DTI-CAR MSME Summit on July 22 and 23 to learn more about government support programs and build business networks. (PNA)
