by: MAY CELESTINE S. NERY, CDS II
Naga City – Cooperative Development Authority Asec. Vergel M. Hilario, Head of the Human Services Cluster visited Naga City to attend the 7th Bicol Agri Summit on June 19, 2024 at Robinsons Place Naga. The Agri Summit was organized by the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (CSCCI) as part of the Camsur Business Expo 2024 held on June 18-21, 2024.
Asec. Hilario serves as one of the Resource Speakers during the 2nd day of the Agri Summit. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of coordination and collaboration of both public and private sector in Agriculture to achieve global food security, economic development and environmental sustainability. He encouraged the attendees to work together and be the catalyst to have a proper and robust industry for the agriculture sector in the province through the organization of Cooperatives, as this may be one way to counter the continuous price increase of the commodities due to middlemen.
After his speech, the Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) took place between the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. represented by Mr. Kristan Carl Malazarte, CATMG Management Corporation represented by Atty. Juvenal Agravante, MuraMart Holdings, Inc.represented by Mr. Bryden Elizan, Independent Component City Agriculture and Fishery Council Naga Chapter (ICCAFC-Naga) represented by Mr. Alfredo M. Gatongay and Cooperative Development Authority Region V Extension Office represented by Atty. Emilio D. Escueta III.
The MOA aims to leverage the strengths of both public and private sectors to enhance innovation, efficiency and impact in agricultural practices as well as to facilitate the development and dissemination of advanced agricultural technologies, improving crop yields, pest resistance and climate resilience.
This was the product of Asec. Vergel Hilario’s visit to Bicol Region last February and April, 2024 which aims to bring the market closer to small farmers and fisherfolks to help them have a more reliable and sustainable source of income.
