2nd Agri-Aqua forum eyes global market for Iloilo produce

The 2nd Western Visayas Agri-Aqua Investment Forum on November 7 to 9, 2018 at the Iloilo Conven on Center eyes to provide avenues for Iloilo produce to the global market.

With the theme, “Accelera ng Agricultural Investments for Global Markets,” the three-day event is organized by the Panay Organic Producers Associa on Inc. (POPA) in partnership with the Iloilo provincial government, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Tourism (DOT).

POPA execu ve director Larry Nacionales, former regional director of the Department of Agriculture 6, said mul na onal companies, established entrepreneurs, and industry experts will impart their knowledge and best prac ces in agri‐business par cularly on coffee, cacao, high value fruits and vegetables, coconut; aquaculture; poultry; and agrifarm tourism.

Some notable resource speakers are Gregoria Felisa Ruth Novales, vice president and corporate affairs execu ve of Nestle Philippines; Engr. Angel Puentespina, director of Puentespina Farms and will discuss about cacao; and Carlos Carpio former deputy administrator of the Philippine Coconut Authority; among others.

Anne e Galvez‐Dacul, senior economist and agribusiness specialist from the University of Asia and the Pacific will discuss about the emerging commodi es for global markets.

DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol was invited to deliver the keynote speech while Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. will welcome the guests.

DTI-Iloilo Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena Jr. said the forum will complement the program of the provincial government geared towards the massive cul va on and produc on of coffee and cacao.

Defensor earlier said the province could become a major producer of coffee and cacao given the vast upland areas that are suitable for the planta on.

The Provincial Agriculture Office iden fied the five suitable areas such as Dingle and Passi City (for cacao) and Calinog, Janiuay and Maasin (for coffee).

On the third day, there will be a tour with DOTaccredited farms in Iloilo such as the Damires Hills in Janiuay, Ephrathah Farms in Badiangan, Orchard Valley in Pavia, and Midway Farm in Passi City.

Around 500 par cipants are expected to a end coming from the associa on of provincial agriculturists, government agencies, the academe, and the private sector.