To strengthen market access for farmers in island and rural communities, the Department of Agriculture Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) CALABARZON held a coordination meeting with the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) last February 2, 2026.
Led by AMAD OIC-Chief Mr. Justine Marco M. Vivas, the discussion focused on potential collaboration in agri-infrastructure development and market linkage initiatives.
The meeting tackled strategies to improve market infrastructure and strengthen value chain connections in SAAD-covered areas, including Jomalig, Patnanungan, Alabat, Perez, and Quezon in Quezon Province, Tingloy in Batangas, and possible training support for Pakil and Rizal in Laguna.
For the island municipalities of Jomalig and Patnanungan, plans include the possible establishment of trading posts or public markets to address limited market access that continues to constrain farmers’ income. A site validation activity is scheduled in April, during which community profiles will be developed to identify existing buyers, assess commodity demand, and map local supply systems.
The teams are also exploring the conversion of existing trading posts into functional public markets capable of handling a range of commodities such as meat, fish, and vegetables. To support sustainability, a planning workshop will be conducted to train local stakeholders on the official operations manual for market management.
In Tingloy, Batangas, discussions centered on improving meat handling and slaughterhouse operations, particularly for goat production. AMAD committed to facilitating coordination with established buyers and processors in Lemery and Garcia to help open stable market channels that comply with national meat processing standards.
Support for hog and livestock marketing in Alabat, Perez, and Quezon was also tackled. Mr. Vivas shared that AMAD may endorse SAAD to a key partner in Tanauan who previously secured a Php 7-million KADIWA working capital grant. Through this partner’s existing network, potential hog market linkages may be opened for AlQUEREZ producers, along with possible procurement and market facilitation opportunities for local livestock raisers.
On capacity building and value adding, Pakil and Rizal were identified as suitable locations for training on vegetable processing, particularly for commodities that can be dried or processed to extend shelf life. AMAD recommended tapping resource persons with expertise in postharvest processing and exploring coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to broaden farmers’ skills.
AMAD also shared immediate market leads for tomato farmers, including a restaurant in Tagaytay that sources tomatoes of various sizes directly from smallholder producers.
To support future funding proposals, AMAD emphasized the need for accurate production volume data for inclusion in the FY 2027 to 2028 KADIWA budget. Mr. Vivas noted that these projects require a 20% local government unit counterpart, either in cash for logistics and vehicles or through land for processing facilities, to ensure local ownership and long-term viability.
On sahing or resin production, AMAD clarified that while its mandate focuses on agricultural commodities, SAAD is encouraged to coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for resin-specific market development.
This coordination highlights the shared commitment between DA-SAAD and AMAD to improving market access, strengthening agricultural infrastructure, and building agribusiness capacity in rural and geographically isolated communities. Through sustained partnership, these initiatives aim to empower local farmers and increase value creation across the region. ###
