Product Offerings
Products:
Services: Market Development & Trade Facilitation, KADIWA Program Facilitation, Agribusiness Enterprise Development, Food Distribution Support, Agri-Credit Linkage
The Department of Agriculture – Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division for Region MIMAROPA (AMAD RFO MIMAROPA) serves as the regional backbone for advancing market-driven agricultural growth across the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan. Headquartered in Calapan City, AMAD RFO MIMAROPA plays a crucial role in facilitating inclusive market access, enterprise development, and investment linkage for the diverse agricultural communities in this island region.
Core Services and Mandate
AMAD RFO MIMAROPA provides vital services to support agribusiness initiatives and rural economic development:
- Market Development & Trade Facilitation: Coordinates regional trade fairs, agri-expos, and direct market linkages to promote locally grown products such as rice, cashew, calamansi, coconut, and fisheries.
- KADIWA Program Implementation: Operates KADIWA ni Ani at Kita marketing platforms to connect farmers directly to consumers, institutional buyers, and government procurement systems.
- Agribusiness Enterprise Development: Offers training, mentoring, and advisory services on packaging, labeling, and compliance for local MSMEs and farmer cooperatives.
- Food Distribution Support: Plays a strategic logistics role in times of crisis, ensuring the flow of essential food products across the region and to other provinces.
- Agri-Credit Access and Linkages: Facilitates access to financial support via partnerships with DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), LandBank, and other financing institutions.
These services are designed to address the logistical and geographic challenges of the island provinces while boosting agri-based livelihoods.
Specialization and Regional Strengths
MIMAROPA’s strength lies in its rich agricultural and marine resources. AMAD RFO MIMAROPA leverages this by focusing on:
- Promotion of high-value crops like calamansi from Occidental Mindoro, cashew from Palawan, and banana from Romblon
- Support for coconut-based enterprise clusters, aligning with the Philippine Coconut Industry Roadmap
- Sustainable fisheries marketing and processing, especially in coastal communities of Palawan and Mindoro
The division also supports organic farming and climate-smart agriculture initiatives that align with the unique ecological context of MIMAROPA.
Target Stakeholders
AMAD RFO MIMAROPA delivers its programs and services to:
- Smallholder farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-MSMEs
- Farmer cooperatives and associations (FCAs)
- Youth agripreneurs and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in upland communities
- Local government units (LGUs) and barangay-based food councils
These programs are inclusive and geared toward improving rural income and food access in geographically isolated areas.
Operational Reach and Capabilities
The division operates across five provinces, coordinating with satellite offices and municipal agriculture offices to deliver:
- On-ground training and capability-building sessions
- Packaging and value-adding equipment deployment
- Support for food terminals, cold storage, and consolidation centers
- Mobile KADIWA markets and online selling platforms
This decentralized approach ensures reach even in remote island barangays.
Economic Impact and Performance
As per DA-MIMAROPA progress reports and national program evaluations:
- Over ₱200 million in trade facilitated under KADIWA and market linkage programs since 2021
- More than 600 FCAs and MSMEs reached through enterprise development support
- Enabled food mobility for over 2,000 metric tons of agricultural products during pandemic lockdowns
- Facilitated the launch of multiple KADIWA outlets and mobile stores in Mindoro, Romblon, and Palawan
These outcomes have led to increased farmgate prices and improved postharvest income among smallholder beneficiaries.
Governance and Regulatory Compliance
AMAD RFO MIMAROPA operates under the governance framework of:
- Department of Agriculture Central Office
- Commission on Audit (COA) auditing regulations
- DBM budgeting and fiscal compliance
- Local implementation of the Gender and Development (GAD) policy and Philippine Development Plan alignment
They also collaborate with agencies like DTI, DOST, and TESDA for enterprise technical support.
Community Recognition and Feedback
AMAD MIMAROPA is acknowledged for:
- Providing logistical support during typhoons and health crises through emergency food mobilization
- Empowering women-led agri-enterprises and coconut-based product processors
- Assisting farmer groups in obtaining DA and DTI certifications for value-added products
Testimonials from agripreneurs highlight improvements in market access, sales consistency, and product branding.
Major Achievements
- Established KADIWA Pop-up Stores and Agri-Fairs in Palawan and Marinduque that generated millions in direct sales
- Launched Calamansi Processing and Marketing Enterprises in Occidental Mindoro supported through grant and technical assistance
- Coordinated agribusiness investment forums drawing interest from regional investors in food processing and distribution
AMAD RFO MIMAROPA continues to be a cornerstone of agricultural market transformation in the island provinces, bridging rural producers to resilient and sustainable agribusiness pathways.