Ilocos norte: Farmers in Ilocos Norte have expressed gratitude to the government for expanding market opportunities that have helped increase their incomes and improve their livelihoods through stronger support for agricultural marketing and value chain development.

According to Philippines News Agency, Freddie Mar Bagaoisan, president of Zanjera Casilian in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, said on Thursday that he and his fellow farmers are grateful for the expansion of institutional and commercial markets for locally produced agricultural products, enabling them to sell their produce at more competitive prices and reduce dependence on middlemen.

Bagaoisan highlighted that the government's investment in a cold storage facility and a Bagsakan Center has significantly improved their access to buyers and protected them from being exploited by opportunists. This was shared during an interview at the VIP lounge of the Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium.

Further efforts by the provincial government and partner agencies have been instrumental in promoting value-adding enterprises and strengthening farmers' cooperatives. These initiatives allow producers to process and market agricultural products, creating new income streams and enhancing the competitiveness of local agricultural products in regional and national markets.

Farmers have benefited from regular trade fairs, product exhibitions, and linkages with institutional buyers, providing reliable outlets for their harvests and stabilizing their earnings. Training, packaging, product development, and marketing assistance have also enabled farmers' organizations to reach wider markets.

Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, who initiated the "Mercato ni Nanay Ces" trade fair, emphasized that expanding market access is crucial for increasing farm productivity and improving rural incomes. The province aims to build a resilient agricultural sector by connecting producers directly with consumers and larger markets, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for farming communities.

She reiterated that these initiatives demonstrate Ilocos Norte's commitment to empowering farmers through market-driven agricultural development, ensuring increased production leads to higher incomes and better quality of life for rural families.