Kalinga’s first CARP kiosk launched; More market opportunities expected to aid local entrepreneurs

“Support Local, Buy Local, Empower CARPreneurs for a Stronger Kalinga”

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — For local farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries, producing quality goods is only half the challenge; finding buyers and expanding their market can be just as difficult.

Kalinga’s first Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Kiosk seeks to bridge that gap by providing local entrepreneurs a venue to showcase and sell their products.

Launched on October 26, 2026, at Grand Zion Garden Resort Hotel, Inc. in Bulanao, Tabuk City, the kiosk is a joint initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Kalinga, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Kalinga, DENR PENRO-Kalinga and private-sector partners.

Dexter G. Bannoya, senior trade and industry development specialist under CARP, said the kiosk provides CARP entrepreneurs, or CARPreneurs, and agrarian reform beneficiaries an additional marketing outlet to introduce their processed products to potential buyers.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on October 27, Bannoya encouraged local producers to believe in their products’ potential and take advantage of available support programs.

“Huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa at patuloy na maniwala sa kakayahan at potensyal ng inyong mga produkto,” he said.

Grand Zion Garden Resort Hotel serves as the receiving establishment, giving participating entrepreneurs a strategic location to display their goods. The marketing assistance is free, although products must have proper packaging and labeling and meet applicable requirements before acceptance.

Setting up the kiosk required coordination among partner agencies, particularly in addressing technical requirements related to wood acquisition and limited funding for the display cabinet. Through resource-sharing, the partners secured a sturdier cabinet for the products.

Bannoya urged entrepreneurs to continue improving product quality and remain open to opportunities that could help their businesses grow.

“Hinihikayat po namin kayong patuloy na pagbutihin ang kalidad ng inyong mga produkto, maging bukas sa mga bagong oportunidad, at samantalahin ang mga programang makatutulong sa pagpapalago ng inyong negosyo,” he said.

DTI-CARP Kalinga and its partners are planning to establish two more kiosks in strategic locations across the province in 2027 to expand market access for local producers.

While the kiosk does not guarantee higher sales, it provides entrepreneurs another avenue to reach customers and increase product visibility.

For Kalinga’s small producers, the initiative offers a practical starting point toward a wider market—connecting locally made goods with more potential buyers and supporting efforts to build sustainable livelihoods.

“Support Local, Buy Local, Empower CARPreneurs for a Stronger Kalinga.”