By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Manila City Hall launched a direct farm-to-buyer trade initiative on Monday, May 4, welcoming a delegation from Ilocos Norte in a move to link provincial growers straight to the capital’s institutional purchasers.
The showcase, held following the city’s weekly flag-raising ceremony, featured Ilocos Norte agricultural products presented to representatives of major hospitality establishments, including Diamond Hotel, Bayview Park Hotel, Aviary Cafe, and Grand Cafe 1919.
Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso and Vice Mayor Chi Atienza received Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and the provincial trade mission, describing the arrangement as an advantage for the city rather than the other way around.
“They thought that we’re doing them a favor. No, it’s the other way around. They are doing us a favor by bringing their goods, agricultural products, and all other products from the provinces being showcased, and Manila has access to high-quality fresh produce from their respective locality and quality goods with a good price,” Domagoso said.
The mayor said the direct linkage allows institutional buyers to secure fresh produce at rates “far below” those in conventional market channels. The resulting savings, he added, improve business margins, encourage hiring, and ultimately boost the city’s tax collections.
Domagoso noted that a similar mission with Nueva Ecija was conducted the previous week, with additional provinces scheduled in the coming weeks as part of a continuing program to bypass traditional supply chains.
For his part, Manotoc assured buyers of product quality, stressing that Ilocos Norte farms employ conventional methods “without shortcuts.” He gave a personal guarantee to address any complaints.
“Sa amin po, walang shortcut. We farm the right way, the old school way. We can guarantee the quality, and if not, ako na po bahala, ako na po ang mag-e-exchange or magre-reimburse kung may reklamo po,” Manotoc told the buyers.
The vice governor said the trade mission was arranged after he visited City Hall in October last year, when he requested Manila to host the Ilocos Norte delegation.
ia/xf
