CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Over 50 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from all over Northern Mindanao are showcasing their locally-made produce as the Kahimunan Trade Fair opened to the public at SM City Cagayan de Oro, August 18.
The opening was led by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10 regional director Ermedio Abang, Cagayan de Oro City Councilors Imee Moreno and George Goking, Regional SMED Council Chairperson Reggie Punongbayan, and PCCI Northern Mindanao Governor Ruben Vegafria.
Abang said Kahimunan is an annual marketing event that pays tribute to the region’s rich cultural heritage and bountiful harvest.
It showcases a gallery of local craftsmanship and highly competitive products from the abundant raw materials found in the five provinces of Northern Mindanao – Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, and Lanao del Norte.
“We aim to showcase the diverse products of Northern Mindanao through product exhibits and promotion to widen MSMEs market scope, advocate ‘buy local’ initiatives, and increase homegrown MSME brand awareness,” he said.
[l-r] Regional SMED Council Chairperson Reggie Punongbayan (green), DTI-10 Regional Director Ermedio Abang, Cagayan de Oro City Councilors Imee Moreno and George Goking, and PCCI Northern Mindanao Governor Ruben Vegafria lead the ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the Kahimunan Trade Fair, August 18. The regional trade fair will run from August 18-29, 2023. (DCC/PIA-10)
Participating MSMEs are recipients of the various DTI programs such as the One Town, One Product (OTOP), Shared Service Facilities (SSF), Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), and Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Special Project, and Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan program.
Among the products showcased are coffee, cacao, wearables and homestyle, fashion accessories, bamboo, coconut, and processed foods, nuts, condiments, and seasoning.
“More than the products, Kahimunan reflects the journey of our MSMEs. I encourage everyone to take the time to visit the booths, get to know the stories of our MSMEs, and support them by buying their products without asking for discounts,” Abang said.
Aside from the display and selling, mallgoers can also witness various featured events such as DTI Provincial Offices’ Day, Cupping Appreciation and Coffee Brewing Competition, business-to-business matching through the Board of Investments, and 7Cs Summit and Expo by the Oro Chamber to explore the potential of seven commodities crucial to the Philippine economy.
One of the core events of the Higalaay Festival, the Kahimunan regional trade fair will run August 18-29, 2023. (APB/PIA-10)
Among the products showcased and sold at the Kahimunan Trade Fair are handicrafts from Camiguin province. (DCC/PIA-10)
Among the products showcased and sold at the Kahimunan Trade Fair are wood products crafted by Maranao artisans. (DCC/PIA-10)
