DTI's 'Madagaya' Christmas expo features Bukidnon's bounty

 VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon (PIA)—Bukidnon's Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched its ‘Madagaya Trade Fair: Bukidnon’s Bounty’ that runs from 12 to 16 December 2022 at Robinson’s Place, Valencia City.

Junar Merla, DTI Bukidnon Consumer Protection Division chief, said the weeklong trade show opens daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., displaying various products from local handicraft and furniture makers, food processors, and wellness product makers, among others, at ‘low prices.’

“Just in time for this holiday season, the Christmas trade fair will showcase the province’s DTI-assisted ‘One Town, One Product (OTOP) program, Rural Agro-Industrial Partnership for Inclusive Development (RAPID), Negosyo Center (NC), Shared Service Facilities (SSF), Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), and Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP),” he said.

“Madagaya” is a Bukidnon word for plenty or abundance. Hence, to keep true to being famed as Northern Mindanao's food basket and the land of bounty, the event features a diverse range of goods handcrafted, produced, created, tooled, and fashioned by the province's MSMEs, he added.

This year's fair introduces new islands and booths to visit, including the Coffee Island by Bukidnon Bean, the Service Sector Island (tourism, fashion design, consultancy, and food service, among other things), and the CFIDP Booth featuring coconut-derived products.

The San Agustin Institute of Technology (SAIT) Youth Entrepreneurs' product launch; Central Mindanao University's technology pitching; and the book launch of Mr. Eriberto A. Taban-ud Jr's "Military Technocracy: The Best Government During Darkest Times" are among the highlights of the event.

‘Madagaya' also includes the Kapatid Mentor ME Summit—a gathering of KMME graduates for additional capability-building and networking; and the Coffee Festival—a celebration of Bukidnon coffee lovers and producers to be accented with Brewing Competition, Coffee Appreciation Seminar, and Latte Art Competition.

There will be Free Learning Sessions on Mutual Funds and Business Insurance on December 15, and a 'Culture and Arts Day' highlighting Bukidnon's talents on December 16.

Famelah Racquel Villanueva, DTI-Bukidnon provincial director, said this is a holiday season trade show where DTI can bring together Bukidnon-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to promote locally made products.

"Exhibitors attend to meet potential new customers, strengthen relationships with dealers and distributors, and network with influencers and the media. Consumers and attendees come to learn about the latest products being introduced, to take advantage of special ‘show prices’ from exhibitors, and to gain knowledge about various local products," she explained.

The Madagaya Trade Fair: Bukidnon's Bounty, she said, is DTI-Bukidnon’s flagship event that was first launched in Christmas 2021 which generated a total sales of P800,000 and assisted over 100 MSMEs provincewide.

The Valencia City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Association Inc., Bukidnon MSMED Council, Central Mindanao University, Loiza's Pavilion, and Robinsons Place, in partnership with the city government of Valencia and Bukidnon provincial government, hammered out again to help MSMEs build back better from the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic. (DTI-Bukidnon/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

Aerial view of the ‘Madagaya’ Christmas Trade Fair at Robinsons Place, Valencia City. (DTI-Bukidnon File photo)