Sales through market matching in Davao Oriental up by 431%

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office in Davao Oriental reported that market matching and linkage activities in 2009 generated high sales valued at P12.117 million, higher by 431 percent as compared to previous year’s P2.811 million only.

Based on its annual report, DTI-DO also revealed that the sales generated through market matching and linkage last year was even 173 percent higher than its annual target of P7 million.

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Among the major suppliers linked to institutional buyers were the Pag-asa Cooperative and Bitanagan Upland Farmers Cooperative (BUFC) for its abaca fiber, Passion Growers of Governor Generoso for its fresh passion fruits, Lupon Women’s Federation, Incorporated for its mats, San Isidro Abaca Farmers Association of Manay for its abaca ropes, Mayo Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (Magrebco) for its fermented cacao, and Lingling Recycled Bags for its bags made of empty foil packs of juice, coffee, and other waste materials.

DTI-Davao Oriental provincial director Ma. Belenda Q. Ambi said the enormous increase can be attributed to having linked producers to institutional buyers, improved products and the wider exposure of these products in provincial and regional fairs.

“Trade fairs – local, national, or international – really help MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) expand their markets. Through these, they get to meet a lot of potential buyers. We have to note also that the number of MSMEs from Davao Oriental who are already joining trade fairs has increased,” she said.

“DTI-DO, together with our Regional Office, are assisting our MSMEs improve their product labels and quality,” she said

Meanwhile, Ambi said there are already four pasalubong centers in the entire province of Davao Oriental. These shops are located in Mati, Lupon, Governor Generoso, and Banaybanay.

“We are optimistic that these pasalubong centers will help us increase our domestic sales this year,” she said. (DTI-11/JMM)