The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA)-Region VII, headed by its Officer-In-Charge, Mr. Joseph Salas, paid a courtesy meeting with Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) President Edward Du in Dumaguete City. President Du extended his warm welcome to the PhilFIDA-7 team and hosted a sumptuous dinner at Jo’s Chicken in Dumaguete City.
During the said meeting, the PhilFIDA group discussed it’s programs, projects, and activities for the province of Negros Oriental and is lobbying for a lot for the agency’s provincial office.
PhilFIDA is one of the government agencies that have been very active in supporting and partnering with NOCCI in its MSME development and livelihood programs and projects.
PhilFIDA OIC Salas was accompanied by AFMD Chief, Mario Garcia; Technical Assistance Division OIC, Manolito Apalla; Research Division OIC, Engr. Emma Balabis; PhilFIDA RO VII Technical Assistance Unit Head, Jose Dary Locsin; Negros Oriental Provincial Fiber Officer, Nena Locsin; and Admin Aide, Alan Alviola
In a move to further the development of the fiber industry in Negros Oriental, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) Region VII, led by Officer-In-Charge Joseph Salas, held a significant meeting with the President of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), Edward Du, in Dumaguete City. The meeting, which took place over a dinner hosted by President Du at Jo’s Chicken, served as a platform for PhilFIDA to present its ongoing and future initiatives in the province.
PhilFIDA, recognized for its pivotal role in the agricultural sector, has been an active partner with NOCCI in supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and livelihood programs in the region. The meeting underscored the importance of continued collaboration between government agencies and local business groups to drive economic growth and sustainability.
During the discussion, OIC Salas and his team laid out PhilFIDA’s strategic plans and projects specifically tailored for Negros Oriental. These initiatives aim to boost the local fiber industry, which is vital to the province’s agricultural economy. The conversation also touched on PhilFIDA’s need for a dedicated lot to establish its provincial office, a move that would enable the agency to enhance its operations and extend better support to local farmers and MSMEs.
PhilFIDA’s efforts align with NOCCI’s ongoing advocacy to strengthen the region’s economy by bolstering its agricultural sector. President Du expressed his full support for PhilFIDA’s initiatives, acknowledging the critical role that the fiber industry plays in the province’s development. He also emphasized NOCCI’s commitment to continue its partnership with PhilFIDA in promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in the region.
The PhilFIDA delegation included key officials such as AFMD Chief Mario Garcia, Technical Assistance Division OIC Manolito Apalla, Research Division OIC Engr. Emma Balabis, Technical Assistance Unit Head Jose Dary Locsin, Negros Oriental Provincial Fiber Officer Nena Locsin, and Admin Aide Alan Alviola. Their presence highlighted the agency’s dedication to fostering strong relationships with local stakeholders.
As PhilFIDA and NOCCI move forward with their collaboration, the focus remains on creating impactful programs that will benefit the fiber industry and the broader agricultural community in Negros Oriental. The establishment of a provincial office is expected to be a significant step toward achieving these goals, providing a centralized hub for coordination and implementation of various projects.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to work together for the betterment of the province. The collaboration between PhilFIDA and NOCCI is set to pave the way for new opportunities, ensuring that Negros Oriental remains at the forefront of the fiber industry’s growth and innovation.