THE Mindanao Trade Expo (MTE) 2017, which runs from August 11 to 20 at Abreeza Mall Activity Center, is highlighting the Matigsalugs.
During its opening program last Friday, August 11, several products of the tribe from Davao City were on display. Their own brand was even launched.
MTE Foundation, Inc. president Dr. Rosevicdel Rosario-Cembrano said that this year's theme, "Empowering community through creative product designs," is anchored on the goal of making the indigenous products of a locality shine.
Through the Matigsalug Project, a collaboration between Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Aboitiz Power's Therma South, Inc., with support from MTEFI and its Design Team, the indigenous peoples group's decades-old crafts have been improved. Some upgrading to create a modern touch have been injected. The Matigsalug Council of Elders of Marilog District, Davao City, Inc. (Macoemaddaci) is the project partner.
“We have decided to adopt this community because we know the potential of the products which they have been making all these years. This has been part of their culture, and the technology was transferred to them by their ancestors,” she said, emphasizing that while their products are being upgraded, their rich culture is also being preserved. DTI-Davao Region’s Designers Pool members Juvenal Fernandez of Tadeco and Leny Castillo of Great Gifts International and MTE Design Team members Emi Englis and Yvette Punzalan of Yvette Bags and Beads Collection were in-charge of the skills upgrading interventions.
Meanwhile, DTI Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Group (ROG) Ameenah Abcede-Fajardo reiterated the agency's commitment to develop local communities by providing necessary interventions for their sustainable growth.
This was the commitment of TSI as well, as shared by its president and chief operating officer Sebastian Arsenio Lacson.
To prepare the tribe further, the brand Nasabeka, the Matigsalug term for unit, was launched. This depicts the distinct patterns and colors of the tribe.
In the meantime, a fashion show was held. This showcased the designs of Emi Englis, Frankie Galagnara and Mandy Velasco for wearable, Juvenal Fernandez for basketry, Leny Castillo for beads and agsam, and Yvette Marie Punzalan for the pompoms.
Apart from DTI, Aboitiz Power, and Abreeza Mall, the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. is also a cooperator of MTEFI 2017.
Head now to MTE 2017 and enjoy the Mindanawon entrepreneurs' exceptional craftsmanship and ingenuity from its 150 exhibitors.
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