HIGALAAY Festival's very own Kahimunan Trade Fair has once again been opened to the public at the SM CDO Downtown Premier, August 18.
Featuring the renowned and most beloved products of Northern Mindanao, 2017's Kahimunan Trade Fair has at least 28 booths and over 100 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region as participants.
"There are more participants this year. Since it started, the Kahimunan has been an integral part of the Higalaay festivities and people are very much welcome and encouraged to visit the booths," said City Fiesta Executive Committee chairperson Eileen San Juan.
The Regional Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which is the main organizer of the event, focused on showcasing products such as gift and houseware items, fashion accessories, processed food, beverages, health and organic products, and furniture made by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.
"Kahimunan is solidarity, and what more would be more significant in the Kahimunan than the provinces in the region here in solidarity as one community. The success of any part of the region also benefits every other part of the region. In the same manner, if one is in strife, then the others are also affected. So we are all on the same boat together. What is important is that we all grow together," said Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno in his speech.
DTI-Northern Mindanao has presented three special features or components in the trade fair for beneficiaries of its projects in the region.
One is the Go Lokal Project product development showcase.
The Go Lokal project of DTI-Northern Mindanao retail concept store showcasing quality and innovative Philippine products crafted, designed, and produced by the region's MSMEs.
It serves as a marketing platform for MSMEs to gain access to the local consumer market, and even, on the global export market.
Another is the Coffee brands of Mindanao booths which were also highlighted in the exhibit.
Some of these coffee brand exhibitors came from the renowned coffee farmers and producers in Bukidnon.
Also, Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program beneficiaries of DTI were as also present with their products at the Kahimunan.
"It is important that in terms of competitiveness, the entire region is competitive. Not just one city, not just one town, but everybody has to be competitive. By doing so, by being so, everybody benefits from that. So these products of every province are a product of the region, and as they combine, they become bigger. They become more marketable" Moreno added.
The Kahimunan Trade Fair opens from August 18 to 29.