DA partners with private sector for 4K Agri-Entrepreneurship program

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AS part of its commitment to uplifting Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and promoting inclusive growth, the Department of Agriculture (DA) held a weeklong Agri-Entrepreneurship Training from June 9 to 13, 2025 under its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) Program.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP The Department of Agriculture (DA), together with partners from the private sector, conducts an Agri-Entrepreneurship Training. PHOTO FROM DA

The event brought together representatives from various indigenous communities across the Philippines and key private sector partners. One such partner was MarketReach International Resources, a logistics, supply chain and export solutions company that has built a reputation for bridging local agriculture with global demand.

Jatin Lalwani, CEO of MarketReach and a long-standing champion of Filipino products abroad, joined the panel, alongside Jeff Manhilot, chief operating officer, and Marco Ragaza, finance manager. Facilitated by the DA, the panel session offered guidance to IP farmers and small business owners seeking to grow their operations beyond their local markets.

Lalwani brought over two decades of experience in value-creating businesses, export strategy and agribusiness development with a deep understanding of how to scale local products into global opportunities. His extensive international network and on-the-ground insight into emerging markets have made him a valuable asset in connecting Philippine producers with overseas buyers.

The collaboration exemplified the DA's forward-thinking approach: pairing grassroots producers with astute and experienced business leaders who understand how to take what grows from the Philippine soil and elevate it into high-value, globally competitive products, ultimately contributing to increased national gross domestic product through value-added exports.

PROUDLY LOCAL Locally made products displayed during the training have received recommendations and personalized feedback for improvement. PHOTO FROM DA

During the panel, participants showcased their native crafts and food products and received tailored feedback on product improvement, packaging, branding, pricing and export readiness. Lalwani emphasized the power of linking storytelling with products, encouraging participants to highlight the cultural heritage and community narratives embedded in their goods. This, he noted, could be a powerful tool in standing out in international markets.

Manhilot and Ragaza advised participants to focus first on refining existing products, ensuring consistency and quality before diversifying.

"Build strong foundations," they said, "and innovation can follow."

Both also discussed the importance of understanding market dynamics and building trustworthy relationships with distributors and buyers.

The DA reinforced these messages, reminding participants that product consistency, especially when preparing for export, would be essential to maintaining credibility and building lasting trade partnerships.

Beyond technical knowledge, the event gave IP farmers and entrepreneurs a sense of empowerment. Many expressed newfound clarity on how to position their products, tell their story and engage the market more effectively. From packaging design to cost structuring, the training provided practical business-critical tools.

The successful training marked a meaningful step forward in the 4K Program's mission to promote livelihood and prosperity among indigenous communities. By enabling partnerships with companies such as MarketReach International, the DA is fostering an ecosystem where agricultural abundance meets business acumen, ensuring that Filipino farmers not only grow but thrive in a modern, global economy.