Monde Nissin Empowers Farmers with Launch of 5 Ground Up Stores Across the Philippines

In a bold move to strengthen rural economies and uplift the lives of Filipino farmers, Monde Nissin Corporation has launched five ground-up agricultural cooperatives across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao as part of its landmark 45@45 Sari-Sari Store Enablement Program.

The initiative, part of Monde Nissin’s 45th anniversary celebration, aims to build a more inclusive and sustainable supply chain by directly sourcing raw materials from local producers. The cooperatives—focused on cacao (South Cotabato), sugar (Bago City, Negros Occidental), garlic (Bacarra, Ilocos Norte), shallots (Nansuagao, Ilocos Sur), and eggs (Davao City)—serve as both suppliers and community-based distributors, creating much-needed livelihood opportunities in underserved regions.

“Malaki ang naitulong ng programang ito para sa mga farmers tulad namin, sapagkat nabigyan kami ng karagdagang kabuhayan. Maraming salamat sa Monde Nissin,” said Mency Tolentino, Chairperson of the Bacarra Zanjera Irrigators Multipurpose Cooperative in Ilocos Norte.

(This program has been a great help to us farmers, as it’s given us additional livelihood. Much thanks to Monde Nissin.)

These cooperatives are not just supply sources—they are also launching cooperative-managed stores that serve as primary distribution hubs in their communities, improving market access and minimizing logistical burdens for rural farmers.

“Tinupad ng Monde Nissin ang matagal na naming pangarap na magkaroon ng malaking tindahan dito sa Bago. Hindi na kailangang lumayo ng aming mga farmer sapagkat kami na mismo ang magiging distributor ng mga produkto dito sa aming sakahan, dagdag pa dito ang dagdag income para sa aming mga farmer,” shared Noel Benjamin, Chairman of the Hacienderos Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Negros Occidental.

(Monde Nissin has helped fulfill our long-standing dream of having a large store here in Bago. Now, since we’re distributing our farms’ own products, we no longer have to travel too far, and we even get additional income.)

The 45@45 program embodies Monde Nissin’s corporate aspiration of “Making Better Possible”—a philosophy that champions not just business innovation but also the well-being of people and planet. By fostering partnerships with agricultural communities and enabling them to become key players in the value chain, Monde Nissin is redefining what inclusive growth looks like in the modern food industry.

“The point of this program is to uplift Filipino farmers and strengthen the foundations of our food system,” said Atty. Olive Misa, Corporate and Government Affairs Head of Monde Nissin. “We’re proud to celebrate our 45 years of serving Filipino families by investing in their future.”

As Monde Nissin continues its journey of purpose-driven growth, the 45@45 initiative stands as a testament to how companies can empower communities and pave the way for a more resilient and equitable future, one cooperative at a time.

DTI Chief: PH is a promising Gateway Destination for Agribusiness

BEIJING, CHINA—Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual presented the Philippines as a promising gateway for agricultural and agribusiness products during the Roundtable Meeting (RTM) on Agribusiness held on 5 January 2023. The Meeting was led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr and attended by Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Senator Imee Marcos, other members of the Cabinet, and Chinese companies engaged in agribusiness.

The RTM provided an overview of the Philippines’ Agribusiness Sector and facilitated the sharing of the country's major interests in establishing cooperation with China and maximizing the potentials of our bilateral agricultural cooperation, especially in areas such as agri trade and agribusiness investments.

Secretary Pascual emphasized the agricultural and labor assets of the country and mentioned that, "As an agriculture-based manufacturing hub, the Philippines has a large domestic market of more than 110 million Filipinos. Our country’s rising middle-income class drives consumption. In 2021, private consumption comprised over 70% of Philippines’ GDP. We also have a large working-age population and a growing pool of skilled workforce.

Clearly, the Philippines is a highly promising production base for agribusiness. Thus, we invite you to consider the Philippines as an investment destination for plantations and processing facilities."

The meeting covered three key sections: (1) Trade; (2) Investments; and (3) Agricultural Inputs. The Philippine Delegation pushed for an increase in the number of Philippine fresh produce with access to the Chinese market and confirmed that the market for Durian fruit is now open to Philippine exporters and Chinese importers. Following the signing of the protocol on market access for Philippine Durian to China, participating companies conveyed purchase intentions for Philippine fruits of as much as US$ 2.09 Billion.

Furthermore, a total of USD1.72 billion worth of investment pledges were gathered in areas such as Durian production, processing and marketing, coconut and other food processing, as well as on alternative green technology for animal feeds, and other agricultural products.

DTI, in collaboration with other government agencies and key stakeholders, remains committed in transforming agricultural farming into a thriving agribusiness-driven sector through science, technology, and innovation. This can contribute not only to diversify and increase the value of agricultural inputs but also to attain inclusive growth and rural development.

PH Bamboo Industry Development Council Identifies New Bamboo Roadmap Strategies to Create more Jobs, Attract Investments

The Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) boosts its efforts in addressing the challenges of the country’s bamboo industry. PBIDC Chairman and Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez shared that the council has identified new approaches and strategies to grow the industry that will lead to investments and job creation.

“We are updating our strategies and expanding the list of government agencies as well as private sector partners to be involved in the development of this industry. It will be a whole-of-nation approach to ensure sustainable progress. We are also working closely with long-time bamboo industry advocates House Deputy Speaker Deogracias Victor DV Savellano and the Philippine Chamber of Mines official Atty. Leo Dominguez,” said Sec. Lopez.

During the council meeting on 16 October 2019, strategies were set such as identification of more land suitable for bamboo plantation; sourcing of right species and planting materials; propagation strategies; setting up of treatment facilities; product development assistance; exploration on the potentials of bamboo fiber as well as its byproducts; and inclusion of bamboo in crop insurance. The council is also looking at establishing bamboo industries at the barangay level to provide jobs and business opportunities in the countryside.

The inclusion of the Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Climate Change Commission, as well as National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) as partner agencies were discussed.

DTI is currently assessing its 101 Shared Service Facilities (SSF) on bamboo processing nationwide. The agency is also consolidating bamboo's market potentials. It will likewise tap the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for skills development, training, and scholarships on bamboo production and processing. Meanwhile, the DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards will work on setting up standards for bamboo products.

“The goal is to make the development of the bamboo industry more inclusive. Encourage farmers to plant bamboo and provide economic activities in their communities,” Sec. Lopez added.

As one of its initiatives, the PBIDC together with industry partners showcase high-value bamboo-made products at the ongoing Manila FAME. Contemporary designs of Filipino bamboo manufacturers and artisans are featured in the premiere lifestyle exhibitions in Asia Pacific.

DTI sees 80-M sales for MIMAROPA MSMEs in Agri-Trade, Tourism Fair

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) hopes micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) region would generate P80 million in sales as it leads the fifth edition of the MIMAROPA Naturally Agri-Trade and Tourism Fair on October 16 to 20, 2019 at the Megatrade Halls 1 and 2, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

At least 280 MSMEs from the provinces of Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan will strut their wares of local products and tourism destinations during the five-day fair, which will also feature the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Next Gen special setting with over 150 new and upgraded product designs.

DTI MIMAROPA Regional Director Joel B. Valera said the high sales expectation was due to the high quality and competitive products of the region’s MSMEs as the agri-trade and tourism fair is also expected to help jumpstart MSMEs’ vision of penetrating mainstream domestic and export markets, which will result job generation locally to support the Trabaho and Negosyo agenda of the administration.

Earning only at a paltry sale of P4.7 million in its opening in 2015, the MIMAROPA Naturally Agri-Trade and Tourism Fair has since garnered much attention in succeeding years as last year’s edition raked a whopping P70 million—far from its actual target of P50 million sales.

“MIMAROPA MSMEs’ enthusiasm in this agri-trade and tourism fair is very high since we started this trade fair in 2015, we set the bar higher by providing them business technical assistance. We make sure we closely monitor the MSMEs’ progress so we can allure buyers from the capital. Hopefully we can reach or even exceed the target,” Valera explained.

Products that will be exhibited during the agri-trade and tourism fair include processed food, furniture and home furnishings, wearables, such as fashion accessories, bags and footwear, and gifts and holiday decors.

One of the highlights of the fair is the OTOP Next Gen special setting that will feature MSME products that were assisted by the agency through the OTOP Next Gen program by improvement and innovation in the areas of quality, product development, design, packaging, standards compliance, marketability, production capability, brand development, among others.

In addition to the highlights, the agency also invited over 500 institutional buyers from Metro Manila for the closed-door buyers’ hour to help MSMEs link with large and expand the reach of their products.

Payments can also be made on a cashless basis as the DTI has adopted an electronic payment transaction to help capacitate MSMEs and utilize online payment solutions. Buyers can pay using GCash, PayMaya, and Dragon Pay applications.

The 2019 MIMAROPA Naturally Agri-Trade and Tourism Fair is in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Tourism (DOT), and in coordination with the provincial and city governments of Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.

LOOK FOR NMIS CERTIFICATES WHEN BUYING MEAT FROM WET MARKETS - DTI

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez led the price monitoring of pork, fish, and other agricultural products in three markets in Quezon City last 19 September in the midst of the African Swine Fever (ASF) affecting some areas of Bulacan and Rizal. Sec. Lopez said consumers should ask market vendors for their National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) certificates. This ensures that the products they are buying are clean and safe for consumption. During the price monitoring, DTI found that pork prices are at PHP220/kilo, chicken is at PHP160/kilo and galunggong at PHP180/kilo. DTI monitors prices of agricultural products, as well as basic necessities and prime commodities, every day to check if prices are reasonable. Sec. Lopez encouraged consumers to raise price and consumer concerns to DTI through its 1-DTI (1-384) hotline. Also present at the monitoring trips were DTI Assistant Secretary Ann Claire Cabochan, DTI Director Ronnel Abrenica, DA Director Junibert De Sagun, and NFA Central District Manager Evelyn Medalla.

PRESS STATEMENT OF SECRETARY LOPEZ ON AFRICAN SWINE FEVER IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) joins the Department of Agriculture (DA), in assuring the public that raw pork with certifications from the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) and processed pork products from trusted brands are safe to consume and should not be banned in supermarkets and wet markets.

The DTI, along with the DA and the National Food Authority (NFA), monitored the prices of pork products in Farmers Market, Mega Q Mart, and Kamuning Public Market last 19 September. We found that the prevailing prices of pork are around PHP 200 to PHP 220, but vendors say that public fear of the ASF is affecting pork demand.

Meanwhile, Pork meat brands found in supermarkets and groceries certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are produced by the member-companies of the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI). These only use raw materials certified by the Veterinary Quarantine Certification by NMIS. These meat products like canned goods and hotdogs are cooked. Therefore, these products are safe to consume and must not be banned.

We also advise the consumers who shop in wet markets to ask vendors to present their NMIS certificates, issued everyday by NMIS. These certificates are proof that these pork products have been tested and found free of ASF.

According to DA Secretary William Dar, there is no national outbreak of ASF. The virus is contained in select areas in Rizal and Bulacan and the DA is currently containing the situation. Hence, we call on the local government units to ease on the total ban of pork products in their areas and allow certified pork products except those from identified areas in Rizal and Bulacan.

ASF is a virus that is contagious to pigs but is not communicable to humans. But we advise the public to thoroughly cook their pork and other meat products to ensure that all bacteria and viruses are eliminated. The DTI-Consumer Protection Group is working closely with the DA to monitor the situation to ensure that consumers always have safe and affordable food options.

DTI-EMB Leads Business Mission to Dubai

The Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), together with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) - Dubai and Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), organizes the Outbound Business Matching Mission (OBMM) to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) for INDEX Dubai 2019 on September 13-21, 2019.

DTI-EMB invited 14 Philippine companies to participate in the business matching meetings and market sensing activities to be held at the NOVOTEL Dubai World Trade Center on September 15, 2019. The companies joining the business mission are: ARDEN Classic, Bidibidi Enterprise, Bon-Ace Fashion Tools, Coast Pacific Manufacturing Corporation, Furniture Doctor, Golden ABC, Kenro Boutique, More Than A Chair, Pascasio Pottery, DELCO Wood Producers Manufacturing/Renditions Furniture and Accessories, Cebu Homecraft, Kit Silver, Mel+Marie, and Betis Crafts.

DTI - Trade Promotions Group (TPG) Undersecretary Abdulgani M. Macatoman said that bringing the Philippines’ contract furniture, furnishings, fashion and apparel sectors in Dubai will help them gain more exposure for INDEX Dubai 2019 and in anticipation for the country’s participation in Dubai Expo 2020 presenting a golden chance to showcase the Philippine country brand.

“The mission will promote industry capabilities directly to prospective partners in UAE,” Macatoman said.

The EMB acknowledges the opportunity for industries to be able to sell to take advantage of all new market developments in the region.

“Middle East still remains to be largely untapped for Philippine lifestyle products but there are concrete indications of interest from buyers,” he added.

The main considerations for organizing this business mission include the inherent strength of the Philippine industries for furniture, furnishings, fashion and apparel; immense opportunity and potential demand in the UAE; and its reputation of being a fertile ground for company setup because of its commitment to sustainable development and economic diversification, progressive-minded government, and liberal corporate policies.

Tapping into the UAE market, the Philippines will benefit from key potential trends pointing to Dubai’s current status as a retail mecca and has seen a massive transformation in the last two decades to become the biggest trader among countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

The GCC with its young and affluent population and overall prosperity presents a very positive environment for retail businesses. Dubai continues to be a lucrative apparel and fashion market with foreign brands popular in the Arab world and fashion retailers discovering the franchise model ideally suited to Middle Eastern conditions. There is also growing niche market of fair fashion with increasing consumer awareness for sustainability, fair trade and eco compliance.

Most importantly, the UAE has a booming real estate sector with rising hotel, commercial, residential construction and housing activity following Dubai Expo 2020. It also has the potential to access many of the 430 million consumers in the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market.

This EMB-led OBMM is a follow up undertaking for the Philippines to promote lifestyle products in the Middle East with the initial visit undertaken in 2015. The business matching meetings will target retailers, distributors, real estate, hotel and resort developers, interior designers, architectural firms, real estate and construction managers and fit-out contractors.

The EMB has identified mega-lifestyle show INDEX Dubai 2019 as the anchor event with Philippine participation being organized and led by DTI-EMB and CITEM. INDEX Dubai 2019 vis-à-vis the Design & Hospitality Week 2019 is the largest and most influential lifestyle exhibition in the Middle East. The show is a meeting point to: discuss options and opinions with other visitors, exhibitors, buyers and distributors; make contacts and strengthen network; or open unlimited prospects for cooperation.

INDEX Dubai 2019 is co-located with other 7 brands of shows – INDEX, The HOTEL Show, Workspace, The LEISURE Show, Surface Design, FIM and INDEX Home. Addressing every aspect of the lifestyle market, INDEX Dubai 2019 will showcase leading companies including the Philippines’ lifestyle sector that are shaping and presenting business development opportunities in all things design, lifestyle and hospitality in the UAE and across the globe.

Shopee Teams up with Go Negosyo to Drive Digital Agriculture in the Philippines

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partners with Go Negosyo, the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship’s official advocacy, to digitize the agricultural industry in the Philippines. The initiative equipped farmers with the skills and knowledge to sell their homegrown products online.

Through this partnership, local farmers can promote their products directly to consumers, as well as expand their reach nationwide via Shopee. They can also reach more customers at minimal cost, allowing them to deliver quality local produce to online shoppers at competitive and affordable prices.

Martin Yu, Associate Director, Shopee Philippines, said, “Through our partnership with Go Negosyo, our local farmers will be able to tap the full potential of e-commerce. By being on Shopee, they are able to expand their market reach by leveraging our platform’s wide user base as well as enjoy a seamless online selling experience. At the same time, consumers will enjoy greater access to organic and homegrown products while supporting our local farmers.”
The project kicked off with a special Shopee University class geared toward agricultural cooperatives. Farmers and agri-entrepreneurs owners were taught the basics and benefits of e-commerce.

Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, Adviser for Agripreneurship at Go Negosyo, said, “We are grateful to Shopee for providing an inclusive and convenient way for farmers to sell their products online. Through this project, Shopee is enabling the agricultural industry to grow and touch base with consumers nationwide. We look forward to strengthening our partnership and creating more initiatives that benefit small entrepreneurs.”

Go Negosyo-affiliated farmers, which participated in the class, will showcase their local all-natural products on Shopee from September 18 to 20. Users can look forward to discounts of up to 20% off on various local agricultural products. There will also be an additional ₱100 off for a minimum spend of ₱500 with the voucher SPHGOLOCAL.

For more information visit https://shopee.ph/m/go-negosyo.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.