Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) Executive Director and Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP)-Negros Oriental Focal Person John Jalandoni took the lead in the conduct of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up Business Conference with Key Stakeholders in Negros Oriental.
The whole-day business conference showcased investment opportunities in Negros Oriental’s priority commodities, such as Abaca, Cassava, Highland Vegetables, and Native Chicken. Industry players, businessmen, local MSMEs, and other stakeholders were invited to explore potential collaborations with private agribusiness entities (PAEs) for PRDP Scale-up Funding.According to NOCCI Executive Director Jalandoni, the active participation and the strong collaboration forged by the 175 key industry players and PRDP stakeholders during the said activity signified the province’s eagerness to drive agricultural development, propelling Negros Oriental towards becoming the country’s “food basket.”
NOCCI Leads PRDP Scale-Up Business Conference in Negros Oriental
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) continues its active role in promoting agricultural development and investment in the province. NOCCI Executive Director and Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Focal Person for Negros Oriental, John Jalandoni, recently spearheaded the PRDP Scale-Up Business Conference in Dumaguete City, attracting key stakeholders across various sectors.
The conference, which focused on highlighting the investment opportunities available in Negros Oriental’s priority agricultural commodities, brought together industry players, businessmen, local MSMEs, and representatives from private agribusiness entities (PAEs). The event aimed to foster collaboration and explore potential funding under the PRDP Scale-Up program.
Showcasing Priority Commodities for Investment
Throughout the one-day conference, the spotlight was on four key commodities that have been identified as priority areas for development in Negros Oriental: Abaca, Cassava, Highland Vegetables, and Native Chicken. Each of these commodities holds significant potential to boost the province’s agricultural output and contribute to its overall economic growth.
John Jalandoni, in his keynote address, underscored the importance of focusing on these commodities, emphasizing their value in driving agricultural development. He noted that the province’s agricultural sector plays a crucial role in sustaining livelihoods and strengthening the local economy.
“Our focus on Abaca, Cassava, Highland Vegetables, and Native Chicken reflects our commitment to maximizing the potential of Negros Oriental’s natural resources. Through the PRDP Scale-Up, we aim to attract more investments into these areas, create sustainable jobs, and turn Negros Oriental into a ‘food basket’ for the country,” Jalandoni stated.
Collaborative Opportunities for Agribusiness
The PRDP Scale-Up Business Conference served as a platform for collaboration, encouraging private agribusiness entities (PAEs) to partner with local stakeholders in Negros Oriental. PAEs were invited to explore how they could support and invest in the development of the province’s agriculture sector.
Key presentations during the conference provided insights into the investment landscape for each priority commodity. For example, the potential for expanding Abaca production, a key export product, was discussed in terms of market demand, sustainability practices, and the need for technological innovation in farming. Similarly, presentations on Cassava and Highland Vegetables showcased the strong demand in both domestic and international markets, as well as opportunities to scale production with modern farming techniques.
The discussions were not limited to investment but also touched on capacity building for farmers, technological interventions, and sustainable practices that would help ensure long-term agricultural productivity.
Strong Participation from Industry Players and Stakeholders
The conference saw the participation of 175 industry players, agribusiness leaders, government representatives, and other key stakeholders. This robust attendance signaled a high level of interest in the agricultural sector and a shared commitment to driving its development.
Jalandoni highlighted the significance of this participation, emphasizing that the collaboration between stakeholders is essential to making PRDP Scale-Up a success. He noted that the enthusiasm and willingness to collaborate demonstrated by the attendees reflected a collective desire to move Negros Oriental’s agricultural industry forward.
“The strong turnout and active participation of our key stakeholders today signal the readiness of Negros Oriental to push for agricultural development. It’s through this type of collaboration that we can truly unlock the potential of our agriculture sector and position the province as a leader in the country’s food production,” Jalandoni remarked.
A Path Toward Economic Growth
The Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), funded by the World Bank, is a nationwide initiative aimed at modernizing the agricultural sector through infrastructure development, capacity building, and market access support. With the launch of the PRDP Scale-Up, there is a renewed focus on increasing the impact of these programs through partnerships with the private sector.
For Negros Oriental, the PRDP Scale-Up represents a major opportunity to boost its agricultural production, strengthen its local economy, and improve the livelihoods of farmers and communities. Jalandoni expressed optimism that the investment and collaboration opportunities presented at the conference would help accelerate the province’s agricultural development.
He also praised the support of local government units, agribusiness leaders, and other stakeholders who have been instrumental in driving these initiatives forward.
Building the Future of Agriculture in Negros Oriental
The PRDP Scale-Up Business Conference marks a significant step toward positioning Negros Oriental as a major player in the country’s agriculture sector. With a focus on priority commodities such as Abaca, Cassava, Highland Vegetables, and Native Chicken, NOCCI is setting the stage for increased investment, innovation, and growth in the province.
Looking ahead, NOCCI plans to continue its efforts in promoting the province’s agricultural potential and facilitating partnerships between local stakeholders and private agribusiness entities. Through these collaborations, Negros Oriental aims to achieve its vision of becoming a leading agricultural hub, contributing to the country’s food security and sustainable development.
