IT IS a known fact that Davao Oriental’s major economic driver is agriculture.
In time for its 50th founding anniversary, the provincial government, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Council and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Davao staged anew the Sikat Pinoy Inalima Agri Trade Fair and Exhibit at La-ne’s Kita-anan, Mati City last June 28 to July 1.
For this year, a total of 154 Inalima exhibitors coming from different municipalities and city of the province had participated in the fair.
For 25 years now, the Inalima highlights the products including agri products of MSMEs in the province.
“It provides avenue where entrepreneurs are able to introduce and present their products and services,” Governor Nelson Dayanghirang said.
He added that it can also serve as a springboard for start-ups to develop into better businesses and for DTI to monitor and push their individual progress.
Teresita Cajes, one of the exhibitors of Inalima, in an interview with SunStar Davao said that event like this helps them earn extra income.
“So far, we had a good turnout of sales during this year’s fair and exhibit, a lot of people come here to buy local products,” she said in the vernacular.
Cajes owns the Tessie Corn Husk Art Design where she sells products like home decors, permanent flower displays, and accessories, among others which are made out of corn husks she bought from the farmers in their municipality in San Isidro.
Inalima features the ingenuity and artisanship of Davao Oriental’s different tribal groups, aside from the bountiful display of products like fruits, vegetables and sea foods, visitors would also get to see collection of décor pieces, gift items and fashion accessories.
"Through this, we further our advocacy of providing a platform for local businesses to gain retail and marketing experience," Dayanghirang said.
The fair and exhibit’s opening was graced by DTI-Davao Assistant Regional Director Engineer Edwin Banguerigo.
Last June 29, a cacao forum was also conducted for cacao farmers during the fair and exhibit.
Inalima is a Mandaya word which means “cared by one’s bare hands.”