Among the businesses not spared from the massive impact of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic is a local manufacturer of various pickled products.
Victor Antonio Nola Jr., Sangkutsa Food Products Inc. president and chief executive officer, said the pandemic has prompted them to halt their production.
“Nagkaroon ng slow down… Masasabi naman kasi nating yung produkto natin is not, although it’s food, it’s not really essential hindi kagaya ng bigas, ng mga de lata, ng sardinas, etc.,” he said.
Sangkutsa’s products have already established a name in the local food industry prior to the pandemic, and even expanded to the international food arena.
“Hopefully, kung hindi lang nagkaroon ng pandemic, mas magiging maganda pa sana ‘yung takbo ng export natin. But of course, we have to put everything on hold because of the situation,” he said.
Despite the economic impact of COVID-19, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has stepped up to provide assistance to affected businesses through its programs established long before the pandemic.
This includes providing businesses the platform to join food expositions abroad, such as in China, South Korea, Japan, and Russia.
It also connected the producer to Region 12 farmers to ensure sufficiency or raw materials. The department offers technological assistance to local producers.
“Marami silang project na nakatulong sa’min, especially sa export business namin… Marami siyang programa para sa mga MSMEs na kagaya namin na matulungan para ma-expose ‘yung produkto sa international market,” he said.
“They also have programs na they will help ‘yung mga entrepreneurs. So, mga MSMEs na kagaya namin in terms of yung technology, o kaya ‘yung labelling, design, packaging,” he added.
The Sangkutsa chief urged aspiring business owners to seek assistance from the DA, especially on its programs “that will definitely help you grow your business.”
He noted that it is also important to be open to new information, technology, and employees’ suggestions through communication. (PTV, DA)/ AG-rir
