The Davao City Cooperative Development Council (DCDCC), in partnership with the City Cooperative Development Office (CCDO), has opened the Cooperative Trade Fair and Exhibits at the Abreeza Mall Activity Center on Tuesday.

The event’s opening was attended by Councilor Jonard Dayap, CCDO head Luzminda Eblamo, DCDCC Trade Fair and Exhibits Committee Chairperson Agripino Torres, CCDO Cooperative Trade Fair and Exhibits head Edna Haspe, representatives from the Cooperative Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture and other public officials.

A total of 50 medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) are participating in the exhibit.

Fresh produce, processed coconut and cacao products, fabric and textiles, accessories and clothing, and other locally-sourced products are showcased in the fair.

Dayap, who is also the chair of the Committee on Cooperative Development and People’s Participation, said the trade fair offers a glimpse of the local government’s support for Davao City cooperatives in its bid to promote inclusive growth.

Eblamo said the participation of MSMEs in the exhibit meant that cooperatives are thriving in Davao City. She said the local government’s support for small businesses will continue under the new administration’s 12-Point Priority Agenda.

Eblamo said the CCDO will continue to provide start-up capital loans with zero interest, business seminars and trainings, and other assistance to cooperatives.

The Cooperative Trade Fair and Exhibits will run until October 22. CIO