The Department of Trade and Industry Region 3 successfully staged the first-ever Central Luzon Farmers and Agri-Based MSMEs Summit in San Manuel, Tarlac, bringing together over 200 farmers and agri-entrepreneurs for a full day of learning, collaboration, and business empowerment.

The summit aimed to strengthen the region’s agricultural value chain by giving participants direct access to vital information, modern farming technologies, financing options, and wider market opportunities. Attendees joined key learning sessions on the State of Central Luzon Agriculture and Fisheries (DA), Building Competitive Value Chains (PCCI-Tarlac), Smart Farming and Digital Architecture (CLSU), Market Linkage and Logistics Management (DTI), and Access to Finance and Risk Management (SBCorp and Land Bank of the Philippines).

High-level support for the agri-sector was evident as Tarlac 1st District Representative Jaime D. Cojuangco attended the summit, alongside DA Assistant Secretary Joycel Panlilio, DTI-3 Regional Director Edna D. Dizon, DA RFO III Technical Director Dr. Irene M. Adion (representing DA RFO III Executive Director Dr. Eduardo Lapuz, Jr.), and Tarlac Provincial Board Member Harmes Sembrano (representing Governor Christian Tell A. Yap). San Manuel Mayor Doña Cresencia Tesoro also welcomed participants through a virtual message.

The event featured a vibrant mini trade fair showcasing food and non-food products from 34 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) across the region—giving them a chance to conduct product testing, meet buyers, and connect with logistics partners.

During the program, Edelyn Sitchon Cañero of Edelyn’s Homemade Nuts expressed gratitude to the DTI, DA, and DAR for their continued support for farmers and ARBOs.

The summit ended with a Farmer-MSME Commitment Signing, sealing a collective pledge to work together in advancing and uplifting Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations throughout Central Luzon.