Local agriculture takes center stage as the Hosanna Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (HARBENCO) participated in the Dumaguete City Trade Fair, Farm Family Congress, and KADIWA ng Pangulo 2026, held from August 18 to 20, 2026, in Dumaguete City. As an Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (ARBO), HARBENCO used the event as an opportunity to showcase locally developed pineapple products, demonstrating how agricultural produce can be transformed into marketable goods and create additional opportunities for farming communities.
Turning Pineapples Into Marketable Products
Among the products showcased by HARBENCO were fresh pineapple, pineapple jam, and pineapple gummies. These value-added products demonstrate how agricultural communities can expand beyond selling raw produce by developing products that offer greater variety and market potential. Value addition allows farmers and agrarian organizations to explore new ways of generating income from locally produced crops. Through processing and product development, agricultural resources can reach consumers in forms that are convenient, innovative, and appealing to different markets.
A Platform for Local Agricultural Products
The Dumaguete City Trade Fair provided HARBENCO with a space to introduce its products to consumers and other participants. Events such as trade fairs can serve as important platforms for small producers and cooperatives to gain visibility, connect with potential buyers, and understand market preferences. For agricultural organizations, participation in these events can help bridge the gap between farm production and the marketplace.
Connecting Farmers With Consumers
The presence of HARBENCO at the KADIWA ng Pangulo also highlights the importance of creating direct market opportunities for agricultural producers. Bringing locally produced goods closer to consumers can help promote appreciation for products developed by farming communities. It also allows consumers to discover products that represent the work, resources, and entrepreneurial efforts of local agrarian beneficiaries.
