Farm Konekt's Vital Role in Enhancing the CALABARZON Halal Industry

The CALABARZON region witnessed a significant advancement in its Halal industry, thanks to Farm Konekt's active collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This collaboration was highlighted during a two-day Halal Training and Stakeholders Consultation event held on December 12-13, 2023. Farm Konekt's CEO, John Vincent Q. Gastanes, played a key role as a resource speaker, sharing insights into the company's mission and its efforts in promoting the Halal industry.

Farm Konekt's primary focus was to assist Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMSEs) in expanding their reach to international markets, particularly Brunei. This initiative aimed to export local Halal products, thereby opening new opportunities for these businesses. The participants' response was overwhelmingly positive, showing eagerness to collaborate with Farm Konekt and other national and local agencies to boost the Halal industry.

One of the significant contributions of Farm Konekt was its role in shaping the 5-year roadmap for the development of the Halal industry in the CALABARZON region. The company's Sustainability Officer, Wilbur Z. Mañibo, facilitated a workshop that gathered inputs from MSMEs and collaborating agencies. This collective effort led to the creation of a comprehensive strategic plan, focusing on global competitiveness, digitization, and inclusivity. The establishment of the Regional Halal Coordinating Council (RHCC) is a testament to this inclusive approach, aiming at capacity building, job creation, fostering Islamic finance and investment, ensuring food security, boosting tourism, and creating export opportunities.

John Vincent Gastanes, CEO of Farm Konekt, emphasized the company's commitment to helping small businesses promote their Halal products and expand their market. "Our knowledge in Halal and its processes is crucial, and we are collaborating with our government and the government of Brunei to advance this endeavor," he said.

The two-day event also included various workshops and informative sessions, empowering participants with knowledge and tools to actively support the Halal industry. The initiative was further strengthened by the interest shown by other companies in supporting the Halal warehousing and shipping sector.

The event marked a significant step towards elevating the Philippine Halal industry on the global economic stage. The roadmap crafted during the event focuses on various crucial aspects, including institutional strengthening, investment in research and innovation, focused capacity building initiatives, regulatory compliance, and promotion of Islamic finance investment.

Resource speakers from different sectors, including DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau, the Department of Tourism, the Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines, Small Business Corporation, DOST-CALABARZON, the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Standards of the Department of Agriculture, and Farm Konekt, delved into themes of Philippine Halal export development, financing, certification, and promotion opportunities.

This event not only served as a significant platform for uplifting the Halal industry within the CALABARZON region

Photo Credits: City Government of Tanauan

DOST-TAPI and Project Zacchaeus Spearhead Agricultural Innovation through Collaborative Efforts

Amidst a growing emphasis on technological advancements in agriculture, the recent alliance between the DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) and Project Zacchaeus (PZC) signals a transformative stride in the sector. Following an engaging and fruitful Memorandum of Agreement Orientation and Inception Meeting on November 22, 2023, the partnership solidified, projecting a promising future for agricultural innovation.

PZC stands at the forefront as one of the esteemed startups chosen for substantial financial support from the DOST-TAPI, courtesy of the Technology Innovation for Commercialization (TECHNICOM) Program. Its pioneering platform, Farm Konekt, embodies a paradigm shift in agri-technology. It aligns with the Institute's vision of harnessing cutting-edge technology to elevate agricultural practices.

Farm Konekt, an innovative brainchild of Project Zacchaeus, embodies an all-encompassing digital ecosystem tailored to streamline various facets of the agricultural industry. It integrates ingenious technologies and methodologies, aiming to optimize agricultural processes and augment productivity across the sector.

The collaboration between DOST-TAPI and PZC underscores a commitment to fueling agricultural transformation. By leveraging technology and innovation, the partnership aims to address critical challenges faced by the agricultural sector, fostering sustainability, efficiency, and enhanced productivity.

The shared vision between DOST-TAPI and Project Zacchaeus Corporation not only heralds a promising future for agri-technology but also underscores the collaborative efforts driving the evolution of Philippine agriculture towards greater sustainability and global competitiveness.

The Inaugural F2C2 National Cluster Summit for a Thriving Farm and Fisheries Sector Breaks Ground

Embracing the vision of bolstering collaboration and synergy in the agricultural landscape, the inaugural National Cluster Summit under the Department of Agriculture-Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (DA-F2C2) Program commenced on December 12, 2023, in the picturesque confines of Tagaytay City. This momentous event stands as a significant stride in the government's concerted efforts to advocate for the adoption of a robust clustering and consolidation strategy, fostering stronger connections among stakeholders.

Themed "Pagkaing Sapat, Ahon Lahat," the Summit sets the stage for the cultivation of partnerships and serves as a hub for knowledge exchange, networking, and inspiration. It embodies a collective endeavor towards growth, learning, and unlearning within the agricultural domain.

Initiated in 2020 through DA Administrative Order No. 27, the F2C2 Program is designed to harness economies of scale, fortify linkages across producers and global markets, and empower producers with enhanced bargaining and market prowess.

Participating in this pivotal event are agricultural cooperatives and pilot clusters integral to the program's success, representing the diversity and richness of agricultural practices across the 13 regions of the Philippines.

Leading the helm of the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation Program is Shandy Hubilla, spearheading the endeavor to create a unified and robust framework for agricultural development.

During the summit, Project Zacchaeus’ Farm Konekt took center stage as a presenter, showcasing Best Practices in Clustering and Consolidation. CEO John Vincent Gastanes led the presentation, shedding light on the evolution of Project Zacchaeus and Farm Konekt, from its modest beginnings to its current stature. Alongside Gastanes were Mitchell Gimena, Chairman of Project Zacchaeus, Farm Konekt’s Strategic Partnerships Lead Abraham Diaz, and Sales Executive Rexelle Jake Bayan, collectively demonstrating the journey of Farm Konekt, including its pioneering efforts in facilitating halal trading partnerships with the Government of Brunei.

This profound gathering exemplifies a pivotal moment in the collaborative trajectory of the agricultural sector, fostering unity, innovation, and progress in the pursuit of sustainable agricultural development.