Organized by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 9 (DA-RFO 9) in partnership with local government units and key stakeholders, Agri-VENTA 7 serves as a premier regional agri-aqua trade fair in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Held annually in celebration of Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month, Agri-VENTA aims to modernize local agriculture, scale best practices, strengthen supply chains, and open high-value market channels for local producers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Beyond showcase booths and direct-to-consumer sales, the fair highlights exceptional achievements across the region, honoring high-performing cooperatives, outstanding agri-preneurs, and innovative product developments through departmental recognitions and regional agribusiness citations.

Participating Merchants & Regional Spotlight

The fair brought together a diverse group of 49 local exhibitors from every corner of Western Mindanao, each bringing their unique specialties to the regional stage.

Representing Zamboanga City and its vibrant agricultural sectors, local cooperatives and producers showcase everything from fresh farm commodities to gourmet treats. Key participants include the Agricooltourist De La Paz Coconut and Livestock Agriculture Cooperative, Asosacion del mga Exhibitores del Cosechas de Zamboanga, Inc., Buenavista HVC Farmers Association, Grupo sa Mag-uuma ng PAHP Barangay Baluno Association, Oscar’s Nursery, Tictapul Community Agriculture Cooperative (TICOMCO), and the Zamboanga City West Coast Farmers Association, Inc., all offering high-value crops, coconut derivatives, fresh produce, and nursery items.

The city’s thriving food processing and artisanal scene is proudly represented by popular local brands like Bionourish Wellness Products Manufacturing, Dio’s Heavenly Refreshing Juice, Don Fernando’s Processed Food Products Retailing, D’ouanes Food Products, EA’s Sweet Treats, Heavens Gift Bakehaus, Jing Homemade Products, Legaspi Food Products, Mace & Co Food Services, NanJane Crunchy Chicharon, Quenchana, Ruru Mushroom Mushrooms Product Trading, and Sta. Catalina Multi-Purpose Cooperative. Additionally, academic innovation takes center stage through the WMSU – College of Agriculture and Food Technology Department, displaying student and faculty-led food technology advances. Among the featured local food artisans bringing fresh energy to the fair is Bake By Nur (@bitesncrumbs.zc), a Zamboanga-based home bakery showcasing local baked creations alongside the regional associations and participating co-ops.

From Zamboanga del Norte, top producers highlight the province’s rich cacao, fruit, and coastal industries. Visitors can sample fine cacao and tablea from the Barcelona Innovative Cacao Growers Agriculture Cooperative in Dapitan City, fresh mangoes and preserves from the Zamboanga del Norte Mango Producers Association, processed multi-commodity staples from Antipolo Primary Multi-Purpose Agriculture Cooperative, and famous marine delicacies from Laoy Olingan Fisherfolks Marketing Cooperative in Dipolog City and the Sicayab Fisherfolks and Bottled Sardines Producers Cooperative.

From Zamboanga del Sur and neighboring agrarian hubs, community-based enterprises showcase rich upland produce, organic goods, and indigenous craftsmanship. Highlighting these traditions are the Enhance Gasang Bahandianon sa Umahan (Lakewood), Nazareth Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (NAFARCO), Upper Salug Daku Multi-purpose Cooperative (Mahayag), and the Zamboanga del Sur Organic Producers and Consumers Association. A stand-out feature of the region’s cultural heritage includes the indigenous crafts and traditional farm goods of the Thindegan Dilibon Subanen Association in Dilibon, as well as the spicy sauces and condiments crafted by the Labuyo Women Innovative Livelihood Association (LAWILA).

Coastal communities across the peninsula also shine, with Siay Dried Fish Fisherfolks Marketing Cooperative from Zamboanga Sibugay, the Kumpit Fishermen Cooperative, and the Kalasahan Product Taluksangay Sustainable Livelihood Program Association delivering premium dried seafood, coastal handicrafts, and marine products.

Rounding out the line-up are multi-sectoral farms, regional aggregators, and agrarian reform initiatives—including Beggrow Integrated Farm, Cafelayan Food Processing and Preserving, Colonia Farm, Community Integration Felisyano Alpha Bravo 13 Producers Cooperative (CIFAB-13 PROCO), EDN Food Products, Jerusalem Herbal Products, Kankitap Consumers Cooperative, Lapu-lapu Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, MAPZACARA (Patalon), PEARBC, MJL Food Products, Reaper Queens Chili, RTG Integrated Farm, and regional trade facilitators PHILEXPORT WesMin Phils. R9—all working together to propel Western Mindanao’s agricultural economy forward.

Event Recognition, Awards, & Impact

Agri-VENTA serves as both an active marketplace and a platform for recognizing excellence in agribusiness across Region 9:

• Agri-Aqua Innovation & Quality Awards: During the fair, the Department of Agriculture (DA-RFO 9) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) evaluate booths for Best Agri-Aqua Packaging, Most Innovative Value-Added Product, and Top Grossing Sales Exhibitor.
• Empowering Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs): Organizations like MAPZACARA, PEARBC, and NAFARCO receive institutional support and exposure, transitioning subsistence farmers into sustainable commercial producers.
• Women and Indigenous Enterprise Spotlight: Groups such as LAWILA (Labuyo Women) and the Thindegan Dilibon Subanen Association receive special commendations for promoting gender-inclusive livelihoods and preserving indigenous heritage through market integration.

Mikaila Abrinica
July 26, 2026
NSJ News Agency Services