Second Round Consultation on Rubber Industry with Stakeholders

Second Round Consultation on Rubber Industry with Stakeholders

The Second Round Table Discussion on the Basilan Rubber Industry convened key government agencies, local stakeholders, and private sector representatives to review progress since the first consultation and strengthen collaboration for industry revitalization. The discussion focused on reviewing previous agency commitments, restructuring the Basilan Rubber Industry Cluster (BRICCS), and consolidating recommendations for endorsement to the provincial government. Participants highlighted challenges, including inconsistent data, low and unstandardized rubber quality, limited market linkages, and gaps in policies and institutional support. Agencies and private sector representatives discussed the need for updated value chain studies, a functional price reference system, simplified BRICCS membership, and strengthened Secretariat functions. The meeting concluded with agreements to draft a position paper, revisit BRICCS structures, coordinate with the provincial office, and establish a committee to lead follow-through actions, ensuring that the consultation results translate into concrete policies and programs to revitalize Basilan’s rubber industry.