management association of the philippines - AgriBusiness ...

3 rd Weekly Forum Meeting 27 January 2009
12. In response to the question of Ms. Datukan, Mr. Ugalino mentioned that the following
products are sourced by URC locally:
• coffee beans –Cavite, Batangas and Davao
• corn - Cagayan De Oro, Bukidnon
• potatoes - Cordilleras
13. Ms. Echevarria asked when URC started and what are the projections. Mr. Ugalino said there
is high growth that it can double. The speaker again emphasized the need for quality.
14. The Halal market is growing also because the Muslims are the fastest growing population
expected at 5-7% per year.
15. There should be a match with the potential market.
16. Exporting also means being competitive which underlies the requirement to invest for
promotion and support which entails spending money.
17. The Chairman commented that since free flow of information is necessary, would Mr.
Ugalino be open about the exchange of information, the provision of a link to the web site, and a
listing of resource expertise, etc. Mr. Ugalino initially said yes.
18. Mr. Yupangco asked if URC exports meats like goat. Mr. Ugalino said they are basically in
snack foods.
19.. When asked to rate competitiveness in a scale of 1 to 10, Mr. Ugalino rated URC as between
8 to 9. Vietnam is cheaper than the Philippines; Thailand is at par with the Philippines; and
Indonesia can be more expensive than the Philippines.
The President awarded to the guest speaker the certificate of appreciation. The meeting
was declared adjourned at around 9:15 am. Exchange of business cards was encouraged
after and private discussions.
AgriBusiness and Countryside Development Foundation
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