The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) attended the “Investment Promotion for Agricultural Commodities in Region 2 cum Product Packaging and Labelling Launching“ on October 10, 2018 at Zen Hotel, Santiago City, Isabela.

The regional forum was led by the Department of Agriculture Region 02 Office, supported by the Provincial Local Government Units (PLGU’s) of Region 2 and hosted by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Santiago City. It aimed to present the agricultural setting and potentials of the Region and to discuss what the government can do to increase trade and investment opportunities of this industry.

CEZA, represented by Mr. Johnny Rana, presented the investment opportunities in CEZA and specifically tackled the commodity investment concepts of pineapple. Other commodities discussed included pigmented rice and muscovado by Isabela, cold storage (mandarin and onion) by Nueva Vizcaya, coffee by Quirino, and cacao by DTI.

The event program also included the awarding of certificates for chosen enrollees of the Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investment in Regional Expositions (ASPIRE), a project undertaken by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) that aims to help produce affordable and safe food for the nation by providing assistance to farmers; fisherfolk; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME’s); and other stakeholders. Resource speakers also tackled the DA National Priority Investment Opportunities, Investment Opportunities in Region 02, and Commodity Investment Concepts. Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) also presented Credit Windows for Agriculture Investments and Marketing. The event was concluded with a business matching session.