Information and news about the USAID Growth with Equity in Mindanao III (GEM 3) Project

Leslie A. Bassett, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy (right) and Robert Barnes, USAID Economic Growth Advisor (2nd from right), are greeted by Arturo Mercader, President of PhilExport-Northern Mindanao, at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental. Ms. Bassett presented certificates of HACCP compliance to Mindanao food processors accredited by TUV-SUD Philippines, Inc., an internationally recognized certifying firm. The four processing companies assisted in acquiring their HACCP certification by USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program are Amley Food Corp., KF Nutri Foods International Inc., Sagrex Foods Inc. and Boom Marine Corp. With them is Celso Enriquez (2nd from left), GEM-TCEP Team Leader for fruits, vegetables and high-value horticulture. The GEM Program works with business support organizations, industry federations and growers’ associations to increase the domestic out shipments and exports of selected high-value Mindanao agricultural commodities, under the oversight of the Mindanao Economic Development Council.