CITEM and DA aim for revitalized growth, stronger market presence for PH export food sector

By Elie Satuito
July 22, 2024

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CITEM Executive Director Leah Ocampo and DA-OSEC Special Assistant for Export Development Philip Young pose with CITEM Acting Department Manager Rowena Mendoza (left) and DA-OSEC Project Management Officer IV Rorie Castillo (right).

Pasay CIty, Philippines – The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) held discussions with the Department of Agriculture (DA) on strengthening the international trade market position of the country’s food industry through a stronger collaboration, during a meeting on July 19, 2024 at the CITEM Boardroom.

Focused on strengthening inter-agency partnership toward reinvigorating the promotional projects of CITEM for the food sector, CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo and DA Office of the Secretary (OSEC) Special Assistant for Export Development Philip Young touched on current industry challenges, including ways to amplify the participation of local farmers and communities in the global value chain alongside seasoned MSMEs for more inclusive growth opportunities.

They were joined by CITEM Acting Department Manager for Consumer Business, Food and Other Consumer Goods Rowena Mendoza and DA-OSEC Project Management Officer IV Rorie Castillo as they reviewed CITEM’s current and upcoming lineup of trade fairs, and how even large scale manufacturers and producers could also take part in CITEM’s trade promotion activities. Both agencies aim to better align with government targets for the country to become a major presence not only for commodities, but also for value-added food products.