Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (NOCCI’s) thrust of instituting the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI’s) One-Town-One-Product in several local government units (LGUs) in the province of Negros Oriental, NOCCI President Edward Du, together with NOCCI member PHCCI Board of Director Ramil Repe, visited and met with Samuyao Carabao Dairy Farmers Cooperative, also a NOCCI member based in the Municipality of Pamplona, Negros Oriental.
The said dairy cooperative has been producing Negros Oriental’s fresh Carabao Milk which has been promoted and lobbied by NOCCI to be recognized and institutionalized as the OTOP in the said municipality.
The meeting was intended to bring the said farmers’ association closer to national government agencies and institutions such as PHCCI, Philippine Carabao Center, and DepEd that provide business development advisory and assistance to develop, sustain, and promote the dairy and agriculture industry in the province of Negros Oriental.
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) continues its mission of promoting economic development and sustainable agriculture in the province through the implementation of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI’s) One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) program. In pursuit of this goal, NOCCI President Edward Du, alongside NOCCI member Ramil Repe of the PHCCI Board of Directors, recently visited the Samuyao Carabao Dairy Farmers Cooperative, a local dairy cooperative based in the Municipality of Pamplona, Negros Oriental.
The cooperative, a proud member of NOCCI, has been instrumental in producing Negros Oriental’s renowned fresh Carabao Milk. Recognizing the potential of this agricultural product, NOCCI has been actively lobbying for its recognition and institutionalization as the OTOP in Pamplona Municipality.
The meeting between NOCCI representatives and the Samuyao Carabao Dairy Farmers Cooperative aimed to strengthen the cooperative’s ties with national government agencies and institutions such as the PHCCI, Philippine Carabao Center, and the Department of Education (DepEd). These organizations provide crucial business development advisory and assistance to support the growth, sustainability, and promotion of the dairy and agriculture industry in Negros Oriental.
During the discussion, President Edward Du highlighted the importance of collaboration between local farmers and government agencies in driving agricultural innovation and economic growth. “By harnessing the expertise and resources of both public and private sectors, we can create sustainable pathways for the development of our agricultural sector,” Du emphasized.
Ramil Repe echoed Du’s sentiments, emphasizing the pivotal role of the OTOP program in empowering local communities and promoting rural entrepreneurship. “Through initiatives like the OTOP, we can unlock the full potential of Negros Oriental’s agricultural sector, creating opportunities for farmers and boosting the province’s economy,” Repe stated.
The Samuyao Carabao Dairy Farmers Cooperative expressed gratitude for NOCCI’s support and advocacy, acknowledging the positive impact of the OTOP program on their livelihoods and the local economy. The cooperative members welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with government agencies and industry stakeholders to enhance their business operations and market reach.
Moving forward, NOCCI remains committed to facilitating partnerships and initiatives that promote agricultural development and entrepreneurship in Negros Oriental. By leveraging the strengths of local communities and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, NOCCI aims to create a vibrant and sustainable agricultural ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.
As NOCCI continues to advocate for the institutionalization of DTI’s OTOP program across various local government units in Negros Oriental, the organization underscores its dedication to driving positive change and fostering inclusive growth in the province’s agricultural sector. Through collective efforts and strategic partnerships, NOCCI envisions a prosperous future for farmers and entrepreneurs alike in Negros Oriental.
