The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in collaboration with the provincial government and local government units (LGU), recently presided the soft opening of Marinduque Expo 2024: An Agri-Tourism Trade Fair in the town of Boac.

This year’s trade fair aims to showcase Mariduque’s unique culture and to further promote the local products and services which was participated by more than 48 micro-small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the province known for as heart of the Philippines.

Present in the said event were Roniel Macatol, provincial director of DTI Marinduque, Carmelita Reyes, president of Marinduque Hotel and Restaurant Association, Sonny Paglinawan, representative of Gov. Presbitero Velasco Jr., Police Colonel Arthur Salida, provincial director of Police Provincial Office, Department of Tourism Mimaropa former regional director Danilo Intong and Provincial Tourism Officer Rino Labay.

“Ang ating taunang Marinduque Expo ay patuloy na nagbibigay ng maraming oportunidad at mga benepisyo sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa ating mga lokal na Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises o MSME. Ito rin ay makatutulong sa economic development ng ating probinsya,” Paglinawan said.

[The yearly Marinduque Expo continuously provides opportunities and benefits to the citizens especially to our local Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises or MSMEs. This will also help the economic development of the province.]

Labay further emphasizes that the program does not only contribute to the local businesses but also uplift the tourism in the province. In a statement, he said, “Mahalagang pagkakataon ito sa larangan ng turismo sapagkat dito ay ipinakikita po natin ang galing, talino, at craftsmanship ng ating mga kababayan sa buong mundo.”

[This is a crucial chance in the field of tourism because in this way, we are showing the skills, intellect, craftsmanship of our fellow citizens to the world.]

Carmelita Reyes, in her remarks, also highlighted the importance of community involvement in a successful business. She acknowledged the initiative of DTI in providing trainings and seminars that helps local businessmen in the province.

Exhibitors who participated in said the trade fair came from the private sectors, LGUs and creative industry. It will run from March 1 to April 30 at Moriones Arena in Barangay San Miguel, Boac. (RAMJR/CDSN/ PIA Mimaropa – Marinduque)