Product Offerings
Products:
Services: Market Development & Trade Facilitation, KADIWA Program Facilitation, Agribusiness Enterprise Development, Investment Promotion, Food Pass Issuance
The Department of Agriculture – Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Region XII (AMAD RFO 12) plays a critical role in the economic development of the SOCCSKSARGEN region, which encompasses South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City. Operating under the Department of Agriculture, AMAD RFO 12 is dedicated to fostering inclusive agribusiness growth and market integration for farmers and fisherfolk in this agriculturally rich region.
Core Functions and Services
AMAD RFO 12 delivers a suite of targeted agribusiness services designed to improve income opportunities and expand market access. These include:
- Market Development and Trade Facilitation: Organizing agri-trade fairs, expos, and buyer-producer engagements to help farmers penetrate local and national markets.
- KADIWA Program Implementation: Facilitating KADIWA ni Ani at Kita platforms that eliminate middlemen by directly linking producers with institutional and retail buyers.
- Enterprise Development: Supporting MSMEs and cooperatives with business planning, branding, packaging, and compliance for increased product competitiveness.
- Investment Promotion: Mobilizing public and private sector resources to support agri-based ventures through promotion events and project facilitation.
- Food Pass Issuance: Streamlining logistics and mobility of essential agri-products across interregional trade corridors.
These services align with national development objectives and respond to the unique agricultural potential of Region XII.
Specialization and Strategic Role
AMAD Region XII operates in one of the Philippines' most fertile and high-value agricultural belts. Its specialization includes:
- High-value crop marketing (pineapple, banana, mango, rubber, and corn)
- Agri-logistics and supply chain support for perishables
- Public-private partnership facilitation for investment in processing and value-adding facilities
The division stands out for its close collaboration with LGUs, cooperatives, and national programs focused on agribusiness scaling.
Target Stakeholders
The key stakeholders served by AMAD RFO 12 include:
- Smallholder farmers and fishers across the SOCCSKSARGEN region
- Farmer cooperatives and associations (FCAs)
- Agri-MSMEs and agripreneurs
- Youth-led enterprises through DA’s Young Farmers Challenge Program
- LGUs and community-based enterprises
Programs aim to increase the commercial viability of agricultural production and support inclusive rural development.
Operational Capabilities and Coverage
AMAD RFO 12 operates regionally with satellite offices and coordination centers in each province. It offers:
- Training and mentorship in agribusiness management
- Support for compliance documentation including licenses, certifications, and market permits
- Field-based assessments for enterprise matching and capital support
- Collaboration with agencies like DTI, DOST, and CDA for product innovation and financial literacy
These capabilities allow AMAD RFO 12 to rapidly respond to the dynamic needs of stakeholders.
Economic Impact and Performance
Based on DA program evaluations and regional development reports:
- Facilitated over ₱150 million in agri-product sales through KADIWA and market linkage activities since 2021
- Assisted more than 500 enterprises and cooperatives annually in trade facilitation, product promotion, and financial access
- Played a key role in implementing food distribution mechanisms during COVID-19 lockdowns through KADIWA on Wheels and Online KADIWA platforms
- Contributed to a 20-30% increase in average producer income in supported communities through direct market engagement
The region’s output contributes significantly to national food security and agricultural exports.
Governance and Compliance
As part of the Department of Agriculture, AMAD RFO 12 complies with:
- COA auditing protocols
- DBM fiscal management policies
- DA’s enterprise development frameworks
- Compliance with gender, climate resilience, and youth integration policies
Their work also supports goals in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
Recognition and Community Feedback
The division has received positive recognition for:
- Effective KADIWA rollouts in both urban and rural areas
- Empowering women-led agribusinesses through mentorship and financing
- Capacity building efforts that resulted in product upgrades and new retail partnerships for many local enterprises
Testimonials from farmer-beneficiaries emphasize the transformative role AMAD RFO 12 has played in improving enterprise confidence, market knowledge, and income sustainability.
Major Achievements
- Established multiple KADIWA centers and mobile markets in Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani
- Facilitated the launch of youth-led enterprises under the Young Farmers Challenge, with over 100 grantees since 2021
- Coordinated the Region XII Agribusiness Investment Forum, attracting domestic investors in agri-processing and logistics
With its hands-on approach, multi-stakeholder engagement, and commitment to inclusive economic growth, the Department of Agriculture – AMAD Region XII remains a catalyst for sustainable agribusiness transformation in Mindanao.