NITO products of Davao Occidental and Water Hyacinth of Agusan Del Norte will be highlighted by the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI) in this year’s Mindanao Trade Expo on August 11 to 17 at Abreeza Ayala Mall, Davao City.

MTEFI will be showcasing new authentic local products. These are some of the 150 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that are expected to participate in the annual Mindanao-based trade event.

According to MTEFI President Dr. Rosevic Del Rosario-Cembrano, there are 30 weavers coming from Davao Occidental. Nito products which are initially a placemats will be upgraded into bags that are worth P1500 to P2000.

“It has always been our aim to provide a venue to promote local products while developing several communities in Mindanao,” Cembrano said.

Traditional Nito products such as Nito placemats, baskets, backpacks and housewares will also be part of the exhibit.

Cembrano said in a previous report that without their long-standing partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) and Abreeza Ayala Mall, they could not have achieved their objectives in creating avenue for business trade between Mindanaon entrepreneurs and Dabawenyo consumers.

The MTEFI is sending MSMEs to be showcased in the National Trade shows in Manila and with the support of their partners, they are looking forward in improving the quality and designs of these authentic local products to participate in the international arena. (Amanie R. Ya’cob, MSU-Marawi Intern)