The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry in the Caraga Region spearhead the four-day Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investment in Regional Exposition which opened at Robinsons Mall in Butuan City Thursday (Aug. 6, 2026). Participated in by 125 exhibitors, the event serves as a venue where locally produced products of farmers, fisherfolk, and micro, small, and medium enterprises are showcased for buyers and prospective investors. (Photo courtesy of DA-13)
BUTUAN CITY – At least 125 exhibitors from different provinces in the Caraga Region are part of the four-day Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investment in Regional Exposition (ASPIRE) 2026 which will run until Sunday at Robinsons Mall here.
The region’s annual event provides farmers and fisherfolk organizations, cooperatives, and micro, small, and medium enterprises the opportunity to connect with markets, prospective investors and buyers.
Showcased in the event are local farm products, foodstuff, coffee products and drinks.
The activity is spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture-Caraga Region (DA-13) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“The exposition enables our farmers and MSMEs to showcase their products, connect with potential buyers, gain valuable knowledge, and access government support services,” DTI-13 Regional Director Gay Tidalgo said in a statement Thursday.
Brian Jay Cabiguin, a Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Awardee of DA-13 from Butuan City, is among the exhibitors in the event with his coffee products.
“This event will help us develop our products and enhance our business,” Cabiguin said, as he thanked DA-13 for the YFC award he received that helped him secure more equipment for his coffee production.
Another exhibitor, Libas Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative from Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, showcased coconut-based products, including coco massage oil, virgin coconut oil, cookies, and vinegar.
“We are thankful to the DA, not only for facilitating the ASPIRE 2026, but also for the continuing support to the farmers by providing us with farm inputs and the series of training on farm and food production,” LFMPC manager Jeffrey Aguillon said. (PNA)