October 09, 2024 (yesterday) the Municipality of Dalaguete had the honor of welcoming visitors from the Municipality and Department of Agriculture of Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, along with Farmers’ Cooperative Officers from each region. Their visit is part of an important learning initiative in preparation for the launch of the Oriental Mindoro Consolidation and Trading Facility.

As they seek to learn best practices, it is a privilege for us to host them and showcase the operations, strategies, and successes of the Dalaguete Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (DAPTC). Known as the “Vegetable Basket of Cebu,” Dalaguete plays a key role in supplying agricultural products to the province. DAPTC, as the primary hub for consolidating and trading these goods, is vital to the local economy and food security. It has established itself as a model for agricultural consolidation, trading, and sustainability, setting a benchmark for other municipalities and cities across the country.

During their visit, our esteemed guests had the opportunity to observe DAPTC’s operations firsthand. They assessed the situation themselves, gaining insights into both the successes and the ongoing challenges. While we are proud of the accomplishments and the example DAPTC has set, we recognize the need for continual improvement. DAPTC has faced various challenges over the years, and we understand the necessity of additional knowledge and expertise to address these concerns and further strengthen our system.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) is committed to resolving these challenges, doing its best to enhance the trading operations. Despite the obstacles, we take pride in the fact that DAPTC continues to serve as a beacon of good practice, demonstrating to other towns and cities what can be achieved through determination and innovation.

This visit also facilitated valuable exchanges between Dalaguete and the visiting delegation, focusing on the processes that have contributed to DAPTC’s success. Our guests learned from the coordination of farmers’ produce to the efficient trading operations, which will be instrumental as they prepare to launch the Oriental Mindoro Consolidation and Trading Facility. This shared knowledge will foster better opportunities for farmers and cooperatives in their region.

Moreover, the collaboration highlights the importance of building strong networks across regions to support the agricultural sector. By learning from Dalaguete’s best practices, our visitors are equipped to replicate and adapt these systems, ensuring the success of their own trading facility. This visit marks the beginning of a lasting partnership built on mutual support, shared growth, and a commitment to improving the lives of farmers and cooperatives nationwide.