DTI Cavite participated in the 1st Agriculture and Fishery Provincial Forum for Cavite Farmers and Fisherfolk on June 3, 2026, at the New Provincial Government Center in Trece Martires City. The forum carried the theme "Sama-samang Paghabi ng Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran para sa Magsasaka at Mangingisda ng Cavite."
A Collaborative Platform for Agriculture and Fishery Development
The 1st Agriculture and Fishery Provincial Forum was a significant step in Cavite's commitment to supporting its agricultural and fishery sectors, which remain vital to the province's economy and food security. The forum brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Agriculture, local government units, financial institutions, and farmer and fisherfolk organizations, to discuss challenges, share best practices, and explore opportunities for growth. The theme "Sama-samang Paghabi ng Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran para sa Magsasaka at Mangingisda ng Cavite" reflected the collective effort needed to weave together sustainable livelihoods and development for the province's agricultural communities.
The forum highlighted the importance of collaboration among government agencies in providing comprehensive support to the agriculture and fisheries sectors. DTI Cavite's participation was a natural extension of its ongoing programs for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), many of which operate in the agriculture and food processing sectors. The Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies have been actively promoting investment in these sectors, with the 1st Hand-in-Hand National Investment Forum held in April 2026 opening over P904 million worth of investment opportunities for priority commodities including coffee, cacao, and bamboo.
DTI Cavite's Role in Empowering Agriculture-Based MSMEs
Through the forum, DTI Cavite presented programs and assistance designed to help farmers, fisherfolk, and aspiring entrepreneurs transition from primary production to value-added enterprises. Key areas of support included entrepreneurship development, offering training and mentoring to help agricultural producers develop business management skills; business registration, providing guidance on legal requirements to formalize operations and access government services; product development, helping improve product quality, packaging, and food safety compliance; market access, connecting producers to wider markets through trade fairs, OTOP hubs, and online platforms; and capacity-building programs, offering training on financial literacy, digital marketing, and other essential business skills.
These programs align with DTI Cavite's broader efforts to strengthen the provincial economy through MSME development. The forum also provided a venue for DTI Cavite to connect with local government units and other agencies to explore partnerships for future programs. As the forum continues to strengthen the agriculture and fishery sectors, Cavite's farmers and fisherfolk are gaining greater access to the resources, training, and market opportunities they need to build more resilient and prosperous livelihoods.
