RAPID Growth Project 9

𝐌𝐚𝐲 29, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬

The Department of Trade and Industry–RAPID Growth Project Zamboanga del Norte successfully conducted 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝟒 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲: 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 for 20 youth beneficiaries of the Piñan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, facilitated by Mr. James Oliver Salvador.

The session highlighted key topics in digital innovation and enterprise development, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in business and agriculture, geotagging for enhanced business visibility, and value chain development for sustainable enterprise growth.

Hands-on learning sessions and group workshop activities enhanced participants’ understanding of modern tools and core concepts in agripreneurship, innovation, and value chain development, strengthening their readiness for inclusive and sustainable enterprise growth.

The activity concluded with a message of appreciation from Ms. Merlie Regencia, reinforcing the importance of applying the gained knowledge in developing sustainable livelihood opportunities within their communities.

📢 Empowering Farmer Cooperatives through Digitalization and Financial Literacy! 🌱💻

The Department of Trade and Industry – RAPID Growth Project, in partnership with PHECOM IT SOLUTIONS, successfully conducted the two-day activity entitled:

“Empowering Farmer Cooperatives: Enhancing Financial Literacy through Digitalization and Introduction to an E-commerce Enterprise Resource Planning System” held on May 26–27, 2026 in Hotel Guillermo, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

The activity gathered cooperative leaders and farmer-participants to strengthen their knowledge and skills in:
✅ Financial Literacy and Cash Flow Management
✅ Basic Bookkeeping and Financial Recording
✅ Digital Financial Management and ERP Systems
✅ E-commerce Strategies and Online Marketing for Agricultural Products

Through this initiative, participating cooperatives were equipped with practical tools and strategies to improve financial management, embrace digital transformation, and expand market opportunities for their agricultural enterprises.

The RAPID Growth Project continues to support resilient, innovative, and market-driven farmer cooperatives toward sustainable rural development and inclusive growth.

𝐌𝐚𝐲 21, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡, 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡.

The Department of Trade and Industry–RAPID Growth Project Zamboanga del Norte successfully conducted 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝟯 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 with participants from Siari Valley Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

Through collaborative discussions and workshop presentations, the participants gained deeper understanding of value chain systems while strengthening their entrepreneurial mindset, leadership capacity, and communication skills. The session was facilitated by Ms. Julie Fe Asoc-Vera.

The activity highlights the continuous effort to equip young people with the tools they need to become empowered and proactive leaders in their communities.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭, 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐈𝐏 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠
📅𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Department of Trade and Industry – RAPID Growth Project conducted a Project Implementation Support, Monitoring Visit, and DIP Procurement Spot Checking activity with cooperative beneficiaries through the Provincial Coordinating Unit in Zamboanga del Norte to strengthen transparency, accountability, and effective project implementation.

The activity was led by the National Project Coordination Unit (NPCO), headed by Project Manager Mysol G. Booc, together with Procurement Officer Cristina M. Apao and GESI/SECAP Specialist Joshiah Allyn A. Soliven. They were joined by DTI Regional Office IX, headed by Regional Director Engr. Al-Zamir I. Lipae, and the DTI-ZDN Provincial Coordination Unit, headed by Provincial Project Coordinator Ms. Emmabelle L. Guimalan.

Participating cooperatives included Siari Valley Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative represented by Operations Manager Pacita L. Amor, and Sindangan FACOMA-Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative represented by CEO Atty. Dexter Kim Patron.

During the activity, project representatives emphasized the importance of proper procurement procedures, strengthened monitoring and coordination, and adherence to due diligence practices to ensure the effective and transparent implementation of project interventions. Discussions also highlighted the significance of institutional strengthening, including the establishment of committees and understanding of matching grant requirements under the RAPID Growth Project.

The activity reaffirmed the commitment of DTI-RAPID Growth Project and its partner cooperatives in promoting good governance, inclusive growth, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗠𝗜 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗶𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 | 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗵–𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗼 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺-𝘁𝗼-𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱
📍 Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte
📅 May 19, 2026

On May 19, 2026, a Joint FMI Site Inspection was conducted on the ongoing construction of the Mandih–Benigno Aquino Farm-to-Market Road in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte. The activity aimed to assess the current implementation status of the project and ensure compliance with project standards and specifications.

The activity was attended by representatives from the RAPID National Project Coordination Office, represented by Engr. Michelle Rose Diampa; DILG Region IX, represented by Engr. Mc Allen Barrientos; DTI-RCU9, represented by Nemfa Menor; the MLGU of Sindangan, headed by Hon. Mayor Glona Labadlabad; DTI Zamboanga del Norte, headed by Provincial Director Estrella M. Roda; the Municipal Engineering Office of Sindangan, led by Engr. Jhan Alvin Ton-ogan; and Engr. Leo Amparado of Golden Lion Construction.

Following the site inspection, an exit conference was conducted where key findings, observations, and recommendations were discussed to further improve project implementation and ensure the timely completion of the road project for the benefit of the community.

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡, 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬. ✨

The Department of Trade and Industry–RAPID Growth Project Zamboanga del Norte continues to empower the youth through 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝟮 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 : 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀.

Youth beneficiaries from Salug Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative actively participated in collaborative learning sessions and workshop presentations highlighting the different components of the value chain. With 20 participants joining the activity, the training provided an opportunity for the youth to enhance their entrepreneurial mindset, leadership potential, teamwork, and communication skills through active participation and knowledge sharing. The activity was facilitated by Ms. Analou Taocan.

The initiatives highlights ongoing drive to equip young leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to take active roles in shaping their communities.

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲’𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡, 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰’𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬.✨

The Department of Trade and Industry-RAPID Growth Project Zamboanga del Norte launched 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝟭 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀.

20 young leaders from Bayside Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Leon B. Postigo stepped forward to learn, collaborate, strengthen their leadership skills, and expand their knowledge on AI Collaboration, Geotagging, and Value Chain Appreciation. Facilitated by Ms. Julie Fe A. Vera, the activity created a space for the youth to enhance their communication and collaboration skills while gaining a deeper understanding of innovation-driven and community-based development.

This activity reflects the continuing commitment to nurture informed, innovative, and youth-driven leaders who can inspire positive change and contribute to sustainable local development.

✨ 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐏𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐨, 𝐙𝐃𝐒

The final day of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program: You Can Be Your Own Boss Training Batch 3 showcased the creativity, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit of our aspiring young entrepreneurs through their business pitch presentations.

Led by the main evaluator, DTI Zamboanga del Sur Business Development Division Chief Elvis Q. Dablo, along with Negosyo Center Trade and Industry Development Specialist Eugine C. Dioquino and Negosyo Center Business Counsellor Haidy O. Guarin, the activity highlighted the participants’ learning and innovative business ideas developed throughout the program. From concepts to confident pitches, Batch 3 proved that the youth are ready to lead, create, and become their own bosses! 💼🚀

The future of entrepreneurship starts with today’s youth — dare to dream, innovate, and take the first step toward building your own business! 🌟

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DTI - Zamboanga del Sur