Caraga MSMEs venture into global partnerships, investments at IFEX 2026
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Ten micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the Caraga region showcased their locally sourced and produced products at the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2026, held at the World Trade Center in Manila, supporting the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to expand local businesses beyond national borders and into the global market.
The annual trade show, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), gathered over 500 local and international companies under the theme “Tropical Flavors for the World.” The Caraganon MSMEs’ products, crafted from abundant raw materials in their localities, aligned seamlessly with the theme, highlighting the region’s rich natural resources and culinary potential.
With full support from DTI Caraga, which facilitated registration, airfare, and product logistics, participating enterprises presented their goods to international buyers and investors. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to empowering regional MSMEs and positioning them as globally competitive players in the food industry.
“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,” said Valentina Rose O. Sagrado, trade promotion officer of DTI Agusan del Norte.
The following are the participating MSMEs from the Caraga region and their products:
* Ermies Food Products – Mangosteen products, Calamansi Pure Extract, Wild Honey
* De Claudia Food Processing – Tableya (Cacao Native Chocolate)
* Monique Miracle Fruit Juice – Calabash fruit products
* Casiklan Wheels Farmers Association Inc. – Premium Quality Robusta Coffee
* Deseo Food Products – Cacao-based products
* ARDA Integrated Farm – Tableya (Cacao Native Chocolate)
* Butuan Coconut Products Inc. – Virgin Coconut Oil
* Te Carlings Food Products – Pure and Flavored Calamansi Concentrate#
* Amamio Farm Products – Cacao-based products, Raw Honey, Malunggay, and Turmeric powder
* Janicah Food Products Inc. – Mangosteen and Calamansi concentrate
Alan Rey D. Antoquia, chief executive officer (CEO) of the ARDA Integrated Farm – producer of cacao-based products – was among the beneficiaries of DTI’s Rapid Growth Program. Through the subsidy he received for modernizing equipment and machinery, his company significantly improved operational efficiency. When he learned about IFEX 2026, Antoquia immediately seized the opportunity to participate for the first time, following an invitation from DTI Caraga.
“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—I realized that there are countless opportunities to increase our sales and to connect with the right buyers,” Antoquia shared.
With exportation as part of his long-term vision, he viewed the trade fair as a strategic platform to meet potential foreign investors and partners.
“I was able to speak with international investors during the fair. Every conversation, every product tasting, every business card exchanged taught me something valuable. It was a humbling and empowering realization that truly helps us MSMEs grow and believe that we belong in bigger arenas,” he added.
According to Antoquia, the response from both local and international buyers was overwhelming. They praised the aroma, taste, and texture of ARDA’s cacao products and were impressed that such high-quality offerings originated from a humble farm like his.
The Caraga delegation’s participation in IFEX 2026 is expected to open doors for international partnerships, investment opportunities, and wider market access, strengthening the region’s role in the country’s export-driven growth. (NJGD, PIA Caraga/Photo courtesy of DTI Agusan del Norte)
