Baguio: More young entrepreneurs in the Cordillera are venturing into agriculture and food production, signaling a shift from the technology-focused businesses that gained popularity in recent years, the Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera (DTI-CAR) said Thursday. "We are seeing that five years after the pandemic, many young entrepreneurs are returning to agri-based industries," DTI-CAR Regional Director Samuel Gallardo said during the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Week press conference at SM City Baguio.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gallardo highlighted examples of young entrepreneurs engaging in mushroom production in Tuba, Benguet, as well as tilapia farming and coffee production across the region. "It is surprising and heartwarming to see that the youth are not only interested in technology-based businesses but are also going back to the basics of food production," he noted. This trend is particularly encouraging as it addresses the issue of an aging farming population in the country.

One notable success story from the region is a coffee producer from La Trinidad, Benguet, who managed to sell his coffee beans for PHP9,999 during a bidding at a national coffee cupping competition. Gallardo emphasized that the DTI continues to support aspiring and expanding entrepreneurs through business training, mentoring, counseling, and access to financing. "We provide various training programs, counseling and even capitalization through soft loans," he stated.

The agency's Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) program is designed to assist entrepreneurs in product development, labeling, packaging, financial management, and bookkeeping, helping MSMEs become more competitive. Lawyer Zosimo Abratique, regional governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Cordillera, acknowledged the diversity of businesses young entrepreneurs are engaged in across the region. "We have programs that encourage young entrepreneurs by exposing them to opportunities and providing linkages that can help grow their enterprises," he said.

Abratique also encouraged aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to participate in the DTI-CAR MSME Summit on July 22 and 23. The summit aims to educate attendees about government support programs and facilitate the building of business networks.