GUIUAN, Eastern Samar (PIA) – As part of the commemoration of the 503rd anniversary of Ferdinand Magellan’s circumnavigation of the world, the local government of Guiuan in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), launched Panagtawo Trade Fair and Night Market cum Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) from March 11-15 at the Guiuan Plaza, Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
According to DTI Provincial Director Ruthelma Samonte, the total sales reached P1.4 million, exceeding the P1 million target by 37 percent.
Handicrafts made of shells and other souvenir items was on display in one of the booths at the trade fair. (Photo courtesy of Dondon Cainto)
Participated in by 50 exhibitors or Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs), the trade fair generated the total sales comprised of cash, booked, and under negotiation, as follows: total cash of P654,369 , total booked orders of P751,400, and total under negotiation of P12,500.
Meanwhile, the Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KnP) was participated in by 17 exhibitors, with a total sales of P293,554, which accounted for 14 percent of the event’s overall sales.
Virlin Capon, provincial agriculturist, shared that President Ferdinand Marcos’ KADIWA ng Pangulo program was previously launched on July 23 at the Provincial Capitol, as initiated by Governor Ben P. Evardone. However, the governor wanted the program to be replicated in all towns so that the producers can sell their products directly in their respective communities without the hassle of transportation cost.
“This direct marketing strategy is not only beneficial for farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs but also allows consumers to access fresh, high-quality, and affordable raw or finished products from our exhibitors, thereby increasing income for farmers and promising entrepreneurs,” Capon added.
A variety of agricultural and homemade products displayed at the booth of the Guiuan Cacao Farmers Association which received recognition as the Best Dressed Booth. (Photo courtesy of DTI-E. Samar)
Products showcased ranged from agricultural and aquatic goods to processed foods and handicrafts, highlighting the province’s diversity of local products, entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage.
It also served as a platform for empowering local farmers, fisherfolks, and entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth, and promoting sustainable business.
The Agrieh Wells Marketing Cooperative from Guiuan was honored as the top seller, and the Guiuan Cacao Farmers Association received recognition for the Best Dressed Booth.
Samonte emphasized that the significant participation of exhibitors in the trade fair and KnP was due to the collaborative efforts of various agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Agriculture.
Vice Governor Maricar Sison-Goteesan (center) and Guiuan Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan with Guiuan key officials and some DTI personnel during the opening of the Panagtawo Trade Fair cum KADIWA ng PANGULO. (Photo courtesy of DTI-E.Samar)
According to Neil Alejandro Pinarok, provincial tourism officer, “panagtawo” is a Binisayá word which means feast, portraying the festive nature of Estehanons.
The event was spearheaded by LGU-Guiuan through its Municipal Tourism office, in partnership with DTI and various stakeholders. (SDC, PIA Eastern Samar)
