FEATURED PRODUCTS. Various homegrown food products of the Davao Region are presented at the National Food Fair in Manila on June 1-5, 2022. During a visit, Steep Pro Philippines, Inc. Manager May Mae Cueva (center in photo) inquires about the production capacity of the Maragusan Multipurpose Cooperative for the 'tablea' or cocoa bean tablet, as her company needs 500 kilograms per month. (Photo courtesy of DTI-11)
DAVAO CITY – The collective earnings of 24 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the Davao Region that joined the recently concluded hybrid National Food Fair (NFF) in Metro Manila totaled PHP5,022,008, an official said Tuesday.
“We are glad that even with the health crisis, our MSMEs have continued to thrive and even prepared themselves for the eventual return of the trade fairs,” Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region (DTI-11) Director Maria Belenda Ambi said in a press briefing here.
The DTI Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion-hosted event, which ran from June 1-5, showcased homegrown food products from different provinces of the country.
Participants from the Davao Region earned PHP989,297 in cash while booked sales reached PHP527,265. Some PHP3,540,600 worth of sales were awaiting confirmation by the exhibitors, organizers said.
Five of the leading Davao Region exhibitors in terms of sales generated are Ayana’s Siling Kinamayo from Davao Oriental, AG Pacific Corporation in Davao del Sur Province, Nutrarich Nutraceutical Innovation from Davao City, Raymundo’s Homemade Products from Davao del Norte, and Malagos Agri-Ventures from Davao City.
“The decision to finally hold it face-to-face is a welcome development because of the opportunities that the exhibitors can take advantage of,” Ambi said.
Apart from the traditional fair setting, the MSMEs from the region were also part of the simultaneous virtual events on the Lazada e-commerce platform, as well as on social media and other livestreaming sites.
“The NFF 2022 has become an avenue for us to showcase our MSMEs’ innovative and sustainable processed food products, wherein we were able to offer such physically to all potential buyers,” Ambi said.
She noted that participants in the trade fair are recipients of DTI-11 initiatives that included Kapatid Mentor Me, One Town, One Product, Shared Service Facilities, and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.
Ambi urged those who have thoughts of putting up their own business to explore opportunities offered by the agency, so they can receive proper assistance. (PNA)
