Kennemer Group CEO joins meeting on KALAP with President Marcos and Agribusiness Leaders to Strengthen Philippine Agriculture

Kennemer Group CEO, Simon Bakker, was among the members of the private sector who attended the meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos and other key figures in the agribusiness industry to discuss the Kapatid Angat Lahat for Agricultural Program (KALAP) at the State Dining Room in Malacañan Palace on April 25, 2023.

The KALAP initiative, which was proposed by Jose Ma. ‘Joey’ Concepcion, the Go Negosyo Founder, aims to strengthen the agricultural sector in the country and recognize its potential as one of the main drivers of economic growth, while addressing the many challenges it is currently facing.

During the meeting, the private sector recommended improvements on the loan and farm financing program, proper implementation of Agri-Agra law, technical trainings for farmers, and better post-harvest facilities in the country, among other things. Concepcion also emphasized the importance of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to establish deeper cooperation between the public and private sectors in attaining sustainable development and transformation in the agricultural sector for the benefit of Filipino farmers and consumers.

Kennemer’s Simon Bakker has been pursuing village-based youth agripreneurs in discussion with the President and the KALAP contingent. Other than cacao, abaca, and other key commodities, Kennemer also integrates supply chain support for smallholder farmers with climate solutions via forest protection and land restoration through landscape approach to development.

President Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude for the insightful discussion and assured the private sector of the government’s commitment to developing more holistic approaches to address the key issues encompassing economic, social, and environmental aspects of the agricultural sector.