The Kadayawan trade fair features the wares of 150 Mindanao exhibitors
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LOCAL PRODUCTS. Buyers gather at the booth of women weavers from Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, showcasing their local products made from abaca at the Mindanao Trade Expo (MTE) Kadayawan 2023 in Davao City. Around 150 exhibitors across Mindanao take part in the MTE, which is among the highlights of this year’s 38th Kadayawan Festival. (Photo courtesy of Sibagat LGU)
MindanaoHerald | The Kadayawan trade fair features the wares of 150 Mindanao exhibitors | BUTUAN CITY – At the ongoing Mindanao Trade Expo (MTE) Kadayawan 2023, held at Abreeza Mall in Davao City, at least 150 exhibitors from various Mindanao regions are showcasing their distinctive products.
The trade show, which runs from August 13 to 19, is a part of the 38th Kadayawan Festival and carries the theme “Buy Local, Support MSMEs” or Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises.
Two groups of women weavers from Barangays Silay and Kauswagan in the municipality of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, are displaying their abaca-fiber products.
Vice Mayor of Sibagat Maria Liza Evangelista said in a statement on Tuesday that the women weavers’ participation in the trade fair is a great opportunity for them to showcase their products to Mindanao purchasers, designers, and other interested business entities.
“The support for our local weavers is part of the local government of Sibagat’s efforts to strengthen abaca production,” Evangelista explained.
She also commended the Davao City government and the trade show’s organisers for providing the Sibagat weavers with this opportunity.
Carren Busano of the Vice Mayor’s Office of Sibagat stated that designers have already examined the weavers’ “Tinoktok” product.
Tinoktok is a fabric composed of abaca fibres that can be stitched into a shawl or scarf.
“Our weavers also make baskets, placemats, and table runners from abaca,” Busano said in a telephone interview.
Rosevic Lucilla del Rosario-Cembrano, president of MTE Foundation Inc., stated that MTE will continue to provide marketing platforms “and to be a valuable ally to local governments in empowering MSMEs by stimulating demand for local products.”
Mayor of Davao City Sebastian Duterte, for his part, hailed the MTE exhibitors and pledged that the local government will continue to support MSMEs from Davao City and the rest of Mindanao.
The purpose of this event is to highlight the rich cultural heritage and economic potential of not only the city of Davao, but also the entire Mindanao region. “The city administration endorses the promotion of this event and our ability to contribute to the growth of our economic stability,” he said.(via PNA)
