FAST Logistics Group, the country’s leading end-to-end logistics provider, is bringing its extensive logistics capabilities to Nueva Viscaya, known as known as the country’s ginger and citrus capital, to support farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
On Friday, June 27, 2025, FAST CEO for Logistics Manuel L. Onrejas Jr. formalized the partnership with the Aritao municipality by signing a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) with Aritao Municipal Mayor Remelina Peros-Galam and DTI Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Director Ramil D. Garcia to establish the province’s first Logistics Support Kiosk in Aritao.
The initiative aims to ease transport bottlenecks and help agricultural producers and MSMEs reach bigger markets by providing a full suite of logistics solutions — including transport, warehousing, cross-docking, last-mile delivery — along with direct linkages to institutional buyers in urban centers.
Located at OTOP Store Aritao, the kiosk will serve as a drop-off and consolidation point for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) products from Aritao and surrounding areas. From there, FAST will transport these products to major markets like Metro Manila, providing small businesses with a reliable, cost-effective way to reach more customers.
Building a more resilient food supply chain
Nueva Vizcaya, recognized as the “Ginger Capital of the Philippines” and “Citrus Capital of Luzon,” is a major source of rice, vegetables, fruits, and other agricultural products.
A significant portion of this produce goes to Metro Manila and Calabarzon, but many farmers struggle with logistics barriers that reduce their profitability and lead to food wastage.
“We want farmers to succeed, and we believe logistics plays a crucial role in that,” Onrejas said.
“Logistics should be an enabler, not a barrier, so we are making it easier for fresh produce to reach institutional buyers and larger markets.”
FAST is also exploring ways to support the Aritao Cold Storage Facility and the Aritao Agricultural Trading Post to improve post-harvest handling, reduce spoilage, and ensure that agricultural products from Nueva Vizcaya reach consumers in optimal condition.
Onrejas expressed willingness to support Nueva Vizcaya by providing logistics training and employment opportunities for locals.
“We will continue to work with our partners to help build a more resilient food supply chain,” Onrejas said. “When farmers succeed, the economy grows, and families eat better. That is a mission we will never walk away from.”
Empowering MSMEs
Onrejas said the operationalization of FAST’s Logistics Support Kiosk in Aritao, the first of its kind in Cagayan Valley, also seeks to empower MSMEs — many of whom produce processed food products and handicrafts.
“Our partnership with FAST Logistics opens new opportunities for MSMEs in Aritao and nearby towns to grow and reach bigger markets,” Mayor Remelina Peros-Galam said, describing the project as a vital boost for local enterprises.
There are about 3,000 MSMEs in Nueva Vizcaya currently assisted by the DTI.
“We are continuously looking for ways to help MSMEs expand their reach and competitiveness,” said DTI Provincial Director Ramil D. Garcia. “Strong partnerships with private sector leaders like FAST are essential to helping our entrepreneurs grow and thrive beyond the province.”
The MOPA signing was attended by representatives from the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya, Department of Agriculture, Nueva Vizcaya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Aritao Agricultural Cooperative, local MSMEs, and farmers’ associations — reflecting the broad community support for FAST’s initiative.
