Mindanao Trade Expo opens Christmas fair in Davao

In time for the Christmas season, the Mindanao Trade Expo (MTE) holds a 5-day Christmas event featuring various micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from different regions in Mindanao.

The trade fair starts on November 30 and culminates on December 3 at the Abreeza Ayala Mall.

The event is organized by the MTEFI, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PhilEXPORT), Abreeza Ayala Malls, and GCash.

Around 120 exhibitors from all over Mindanao are participating in this year’s expo showcasing products from different regions including the famous wearables of the Yakan in Region 9, essential oils and scented candles from Northern Mindanao, and assorted chocolate products and wearables from Region 11.

“Actually, we gathered about 120 based on our registration. Naa sila diria and others through DTI. These are our DTI-assisted MSMEs, and of course our farmers from the Department of Agriculture (We gathered about 120 exhibitors, based on our registration. They are present at the expo and others are here through DTI. These are our DTI-assisted MSMEs, and farmers from the Department of Agriculture),” Ms. Marian Comilang, Executive Director of Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation Inc. (MTEFI), said during an interview with the City Information Office on Wednesday.

Out of these 120 exhibitors, 81 are from Region 11, and 15 of these are specifically from the city.

DTI Davao City Director Ms. Rachel Remitio said that the exhibitors are sponsored by the DTI, Local Government Units (LGUs), and the Department of Agriculture.

“Part man pud gyud na siya sa program of the government to provide support not just sa technical but also market exposure kay very important man gud nga ang products nga gina produce matagaan gyud og opportunity to be showcased. And this is a very good opportunity nga mashowcase ang products because of course coming na ang Pasko, daghan na ang nagatan-aw for gift-giving ideas (This is part of the government programs to provide support not only through technical but also market exposure as the products need to be showcased, and this is a very good opportunity to showcase the products since Christmas is coming, and a lot of people are now looking into gift ideas),” Remitio said.

Additionally, the trade fair is part of the efforts to promote the MSMEs since, according to Comilang, trade fairs are still one of the best ways to promote the products of local businesses.

Raymond Galila, marketing staff of Casuga Farm, one of the exhibitors from Davao said that they are grateful for the chance to be able to promote their products for free and be able to market them in a bigger setting through the trade fair.

The MTEFI, DTI, and other city officials are inviting Dabawenyos to support MSMEs by visiting the trade fair and buying their Christmas gifts from local businesses participating in the event.

“Atoa gyu’ng suportahan, awhagon nato ang atoang lumulupyo to come visit Abreeza Ayala Malls. Mag-buy local kita and go local (Let us support our MSMEs. We are encouraging Dabawenyos to visit Abreeza Ayala Malls. Let us buy local, and go local),” Davao City Councilor Myrna Ortiz said. CIO