ANGELES CITY – Carrying the theme “Angat Agraryo para sa Bagong Pilipinas,”
the 8th Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Regional Trade Fair opened today, Nov. 13, at the Event Center of Marquee Mall here.
Staged by the Department of Trade and Industry Region 3 (DTI-3), the event gathered key government officials, agripreneurs, and stakeholders from across Central Luzon to celebrate innovation, resilience, and growth among agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Featured are 102 exhibitors from Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales under their respective provincial branding campaigns. The event was expected to generate over P8.3 million in total sales, showcasing a variety of agricultural products, processed foods, handicrafts, wearables, woodcraft, home décor, and wellness items.
In a message delivered for him by city administrator Atty. Noel Luzung, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II reaffirmed the city’s commitment to support DTI’s initiatives in promoting local entrepreneurship and sustainable agribusiness.
San Manuel, Tarlac Mayor Dona Cresencia Tesoro also delivered an inspiring message and pledged her continued support for MSMEs from her province.
DTI-3 director Edna Dizon delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing that the CARP Trade Fair “showcases not just products, but the stories of resilience and innovation of our agrarian reform beneficiaries.” She added that the program continues to connect agrarian communities with wider markets and long-term opportunities.
Messages of support followed from Ferdinand Aparri, program manager of the DTI CARP National Program Office, and Dir. Jocelyn Ramones from the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) Secretariat, both highlighting the government’s continuing drive toward inclusive and equitable growth for rural communities.
During the awarding of certificates and tokens of appreciation, Dizon was joined by guests, along with Marquee mall manager Peachy Atendido.
The event also featured the launching of the CARP RTF Jingle, performed by TIDS Paolo Manese, and the awarding of the Top 3 Sellers from the 7th CARP RTF 2024.
A symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony followed, led by Atty. Luzung, Dir. Ramones, Aparri, GM Atendido, Dr. Irene Adion (Department of Agriculture Regional Director representative), OIC-DC Victor Batu (Department of Agrarian Reform), RD Hwang (Cooperative Development Authority), and RD Dizon (DTI).
Gguests and participants toured the exhibits and viewed the special product showcase on coconut, with the newly launched CARP RTF jingle playing in the background. The program was hosted by TIDS Jopin Pineda.
Through the CARP program, DTI-3 continued to empower agrarian reform beneficiaries by providing enterprise development assistance, product enhancement, and access to broader markets. The trade fair served as a vital platform for sustaining agrarian enterprises and advancing inclusive economic growth in the region. The 8th DTI-CARP Regional Trade Fair will close on Nov. 16.
Press release
