TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - “Tsitsirya” or processed snack food from Cagayan Valley became a hit in  the recent Gulfood 2024, the largest annual food and beverage trade show in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. 

Department of Trade and Industry Regional Director Leah Pulido-Ocampo said the Philippine Pavilion at the Sheikh Rashid Hall featured 25 Filipino entrepreneurs from all over the country, of which four were from Cagayan Valley.

The locally grown and processed food products include the Calamansi herbal juice drink and okra chips from JBM Food Products of Cabatuan, Isabela; rice-cassava crackers from Lighthouse Cooperative of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, and the frozen shrimps from Dataj Aquafarm of Sta. Teresita, Cagayan 

Ocampo said the halal-certified products from the region captured the taste of fair visitors.

The rice-cassava crackers and frozen shrimp products of Cagayan Valley that are showcased in the Gulfood 20204 in Dubai World Trade Center. Officials of the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Tuguegarao City Government graced the event. (Photo courtesy of DTI Region 2) 

“This is yet another milestone for the region as it boldly brings its halal-certified food products to the Middle East, in line with the overarching direction of the DTI for the region to be recognized in the global value chain”, said Ocampo.

With these opportunities given to local entrepreneurs to be exposed to international trade fairs, Ocampo firmly believes in the capability of the region to become a global player in the future.

She said that in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and the Cagayan Valley Research Center, the exhibitors were able to secure the necessary documentary requirements for permits and certifications.

“The companies underwent various preparatory activities before they participated in this exhibit. We also facilitated their permits to export their products,” Ocampo said. 

Last month, Quirino province successfully introduced its handicraft products in the Europen market through the Ambiente Fair 2024, held in Frankfurt, Germany. The exhibitors of fossilized flowers, corn-husk natural flowers, and twigs received bulk orders from foreign investors recently. (OTB/MFJ/PIA Region 2 with reports from DTI Region 2)