BUTUAN CITY — Ten micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the Caraga region brought their products to an international audience this June during the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2026. Conducted at the World Trade Center in Manila from June 1 to 5, the annual trade event gathered more than 500 local and international exhibitors under the theme “Tropical Flavors for the World.” With assistance from DTI Caraga, which handled registration, airfare, and product transportation, participating businesses showcased a wide range of regional products, including cacao-based goods, virgin coconut oil, calamansi concentrates, and wild honey.
Local Roots, Global Ambitions
Among the featured exhibitors was ARDA Integrated Farm, a producer of cacao-based products from Caraga. Its chief executive officer, Alan Rey D. Antoquia, had previously benefited from DTI’s Rapid Growth Program, which provided support for upgrading equipment and machinery. Upon learning about IFEX 2026, he immediately took advantage of the opportunity to participate for the first time. “It was an opportunity given to us by DTI to engage with both nationwide and global markets. The entire experience opened my eyes to so many possibilities,” Antoquia said. He also shared that international buyers and investors commended the aroma, flavor, and texture of ARDA’s cacao products, expressing surprise that such premium-quality products came from a modest local farm.
A Diverse Lineup of Caraga Products
The Caraga delegation showcased a variety of products that reflected the region’s agricultural strengths. Butuan Coconut Products Inc., based in Butuan City, featured its Virgin Coconut Oil products. Ermies Food Products presented mangosteen products, calamansi pure extract, and wild honey. De Claudia Food Processing and Deseo Food Products both highlighted tableya and other cacao-derived products. Additional exhibitors included Monique Miracle Fruit Juice (calabash fruit products), Casiklan Wheels Farmers Association Inc. (premium robusta coffee), Te Carlings Food Products (pure and flavored calamansi concentrate), and Amamio Farm Products (cacao products, raw honey, malunggay, and turmeric powder).
A Strategic Investment in Rural Employment
The initiative reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional MSMEs and help them compete in international markets. According to Valentina Rose O. Sagrado, trade promotion officer of DTI Agusan del Norte, “We identify MSMEs equipped with the necessary product permits and documentation, who aim to expand their businesses on a global scale, and invite them to our annual IFEX. This is just one of DTI’s initiatives to assist MSMEs not only in starting their business but expanding it as well.” Participation in IFEX is expected to create opportunities for international partnerships, attract investments, and expand market access for Caraga businesses. The initiative also supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s objective of helping local enterprises reach markets beyond the Philippines. For farmers, food processors, and entrepreneurs, the exhibition provides direct access to global distribution channels and reinforces confidence in the region’s export-oriented growth potential.
