DTI RAPID Growth Project

14/10/2026

This year’s Supervision and Implementation Support Mission (SISM) has finally commenced for the RAPID Growth Project!

Led by consultants from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the SISM aims to review the project's overall progress—from the implementation components under each Detailed Investment Plan to project management—as it approaches completion in June 2027.

During the Kick-Off Meeting last 12 October 2026, the mission team, comprised of IFAD Staff and Consultants, representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), Small Business Corporation (SBC), and RAPID staff from the national and regional units, came together to discuss their respective components and agreed on the next actions each unit needs to take to meet the objectives of the project.

The RAPID Growth Project also welcomed the arrival of IFAD’s new Country Director to the Philippines, Mr. Candra Samekto, who expressed his enthusiasm to learn more about the project and experience how it is implemented on the ground.

In the coming days, the delegation will conduct field visits to meet project partners and beneficiaries and witness the project's implementation and outcomes firsthand.

05/10/2026

𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡: 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

The Kiblawan Multipurpose Cooperative (KMPC) is one of the many cacao farmer organizations that the RAPID Growth Project supports in Davao Region through the adoption of improved technologies, strengthened market linkages, and inclusive commercial partnerships.

Through improved production practices, KMPC’s farmers have enhanced productivity, bean quality, and farm performance. This helped increase their consolidated wet bean production to 100%,, from 33,000 kg in 2023 to 66,000 kg in 2025. Strengthened market linkages and Commercial Partnership Agreements with 15 Farmers’ Associations also facilitated the expansion of KMPC’s farmer base to 300 cacao farmers, from 153 in 2019.

The KMPC also created the Special Workers Agriculture Technician (SWAT) Team, composed of youth members, to provide management support to farms whose owners require additional technical and labor assistance. This initiative helps sustain production while creating opportunities for youth participation in the cacao value chain.

With all these interventions, KMPC continues to scale up its cacao operations—contributing to increased productivity, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive growth among cacao farming communities.

01/10/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬: 𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐃 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐈𝐈𝐈 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐀𝐏 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩

Last 22-25 September 2026, the RAPID Growth Project joined other IFAD-supported projects at the SUSTAIN III SECAP Workshop in Koronadal City, South Cotabato for a four-day intensive training on Social, Environmental and Climate Assessment Procedures (SECAP).

SECAP is the international framework that ensures development projects integrate environmental protection, social safeguards, and climate resilience into every phase of implementation. For the RAPID Growth Project, this means that as we strengthen value chains, support farmers, and build infrastructure, we're also systematically managing risks and protecting the communities and ecosystems we work with.

The workshop equipped RAPID's team with tools and protocols to:

• Screen and assess environmental, social, and climate risks in project interventions,
• Develop management plans that address identified risks,
• Strengthen grievance mechanisms so beneficiaries have a voice,
• Integrate climate resilience into infrastructure planning, and
• Monitor and report safeguard performance

As the RAPID Growth Project continues its implementation until 2027, it remains committed to sustainable, responsible, and inclusive rural development, ensuring that communities grow without compromising their environment and social fabric.

Safeguards strengthen sustainability. Sustainability secures legacy. 🌱

15/09/2026

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

From 7-11 September 2026, the RAPID Growth Project brought together its implementing partners from 13 Local Government Units across its seven regions for an intensive training on the maintenance and rehabilitation of Farm-to-Market Infrastructure (FMI).

Led by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Consultant Engr. Clovis Ike Payumo, the week centered on a straightforward goal: equipping LGU representatives with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to apply Labor-Based Technology in FMI road rehabilitation and maintenance.

With the completion of this training, these participants are now equipped to become trainers themselves—positioned to share what they've learned to the municipal and barangay levels.

Four days of focused learning, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration have set these partners up to lead road improvement efforts in their own communities. The work continues. 💪

11/08/2026

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 (𝐂𝐏𝐀) 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬

In Maragusan, Davao de Oro, the DTI RAPID Growth Project has strengthened the cacao value chain by linking farmer organizations with MSMEs and anchor firms through Commercial Partnership Agreements.

These market linkages have improved market access, enhanced product quality, and promoted value-based pricing, contributing to increased competitiveness and more sustainable market participation for cacao farmers.

11/08/2026

🎭 CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL CREATIVES & PERFORMERS! 🎭

Represent your school and showcase the rich agribusiness sector of your region in the 𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 this coming September 17, 2026, at Abreeza Ayala Malls, Davao City! 🌾🍌☕🍫🥥

Read the details below and follow the links for the complete mechanics. 👇

🎭 CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL CREATIVES & PERFORMERS! 🎭

Represent your school and showcase the rich agribusiness sector of our region in the BLENDS 2026: Role Play Competition! 🌾🍌☕🍫🥥

✨ Theme: "Connecting Farmers, Enterprises, and Markets for Inclusive, Sustainable, and Competitive Agribusiness."

📌 Key Details:
* Who can join: Junior & Senior High Schools (1 team per school: 7–10 performers, up to 5 props personnel, 1 coach)
* Focus Commodities: Banana, Coffee, Cacao, Coconut
* Deadline: Confirmation closes on September 1, 2026 (Limited to the FIRST 5 SCHOOLS!)
* Competition Day: September 17, 2026 @ 9:00 AM | Activity Center, Abreeza Ayala Malls, Davao City

💰 Cash prizes up for grabs!
Register now via the QR code or link: https://bit.ly/2026BLENDS_RoleplayForm
Mechanics: https://bit.ly/2026BLENDS_RoleplayMechanics

27/07/2026

The RAPID Growth Project celebrates the 45th Anniversary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in service to Filipino consumers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs.

Aligned with the theme “45 Years of Sapphire Legacy: Integrity that Endures, Service that Transforms,” the RAPID Growth Project remains steadfast in strengthening agricultural value chains, empowering rural communities, and creating market opportunities across seven regions and 21 provinces. We are proud to carry forward DTI’s legacy of integrity and transformative public service.

Thank you, DTI, for 45 years of dedication. 💙

24/07/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐅, 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐃𝐞𝐯 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐃 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐨𝐧

Following the RAPID Growth Project's progress in improving beneficiaries' livelihoods, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) organized a Project Demonstration Visit that showcased tangible progress in Bukidnon's mountain-foot municipalities, demonstrating the project's positive impact.

The visit brought Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Undersecretary Joseph Capuno, Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Joven Balbosa, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Kristian Ablan to the foothill municipalities of Lantapan and Pangantucan in Bukidnon Province.

Led by IFAD Country Director Umit Mansiz, the delegation visited the farm sites and facilities of Paglambu LandCare Kaatuan Cluster (PLKC) in Lantapan and Bayanihan Millennium Multipurpose Cooperative (BMMPC) in Pangantucan, and witnessed firsthand how the project’s Public-Private-Producer Partnership through its Hub-and-Spoke working models were implemented in the field.

By adopting RAPID Growth Project interventions and forging partnerships with Linear Coffee and Nestlé Philippines, both cooperatives achieved higher production and increased incomes, highlighting the project's tangible contributions to inclusive rural development.

During the visit, the delegation also inspected newly rehabilitated farm-to-market infrastructure developed through the partnership between the DTI RAPID Growth Project and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the municipalities of Lantapan and Pangantucan. The improved infrastructure has significantly reduced farmers' travel time and transportation effort in bringing their produce to market, resulting in better market access and increased economic opportunities.

With the successful visit, the RAPID Growth Project hopes that the lessons and best practices gained from its implementation will inform future development initiatives and contribute to sustainable rural development—not only in Mindanao but across the Philippines.

24/07/2026

𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐃 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

On 13 July 2026, the RAPID Growth Project convened its top management and key stakeholders for the 12th Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting with a specific goal: to ensure maximum impact and lay the groundwork for sustained results after implementation concludes.

Presided over by DTI Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona, the meeting convened officials from the DTI, implementing partners, agricultural and oversight agencies, financial institutions, and agricultural council representatives of the project's priority commodities.

The meeting addressed essential priorities, such as reviewing project progress to date, assessing its financial performance, recalibrating its plan and budget, and advancing the Exit Strategy and Sustainability Plan—the roadmap for ensuring that gains secured in rural communities endure beyond the project's completion.

Through the project’s continued partnership with its stakeholders, its progress and gains can be made sustainable, ensuring that the rural communities we have reached will continue to thrive long after the project concludes.

14/07/2026

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜-𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤: 𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐃 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐎𝐀 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝟖,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬

The RAPID Growth Project and Nestlé Philippines, Inc. have renewed their partnership to strengthen Philippine coffee farming through a Ceremonial Signing of a Memorandum of Agreement last 7 July 2026 in the latter’s Cagayan de Oro City Factory.

The collaboration aims to provide technical expertise, capacity building initiatives, and further support 8,000 coffee farmers in Regions 10, 11, 12, and Caraga through the conduct of Farmer Business School and Regenerative Agriculture training programs until June 2027.

This is development work at its most essential: government, enterprises, and farmers working together to build sustainable livelihoods and secure supply chains that benefit everyone.