Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president and Quirino governor Dax Cua on Friday touted the role that local government units can play in creating more value in the agricultural production chain.
“LGUs should play an active role in providing opportunities to create added value in our production chains. We can and should serve as convergence points for various sectors towards improving production,” Cua said.
Cua relayed his province’s efforts to make in-roads into foreign markets for its agricultural products to highlight his point.
“We have an emerging ube industry in Quirino province, at proud akong ibahagi na nakapasok na kami sa Japan,” said the governor.
Recently, the province completed the export of five hundred kilos of ube powder to Japan, the third time it has done so since its first foray in 2023.
“The reason we emphasize convergence is to ensure that we graduate from exporting raw materials to products of higher value that can compete with the best that the rest of the world has to offer.”
The ube powder, under the brand JaBes, was developed by the Quirino Young Entrepreneurs Association (QYEA).
“We are optimistic that we will be able to enter other markets in the near future. Patunay po ang kwento ng ube powder ng maaaring makamit kapag nagtulungan ang iba’t ibang sektor, mula pamahalaan, academe, at private sector,” Cua said.
Cua noted various points of convergence for the rise of ube powder, from ensuring the sustainability of raw material supply of the Ube Kinampay variety through local farmers, to collaboration in design and food technology to ensure product quality.
“The reason we emphasize convergence is to ensure that we graduate from exporting raw materials to products of higher value that can compete with the best that the rest of the world has to offer,” Cua added.
