SEVERAL Mindanao crafters and producers have proven their exceptional skills once again through the recently-concluded Mindanao Trade Expo (MTE) in Glorietta Mall, Makati City.
Staged from October 2 to 5, the exhibition is composed of 32 entrepreneurs from all over Mindanao opened with almost $1 million in sales.
The MTE also became a proof that the careful planning process which the organizer, the MTE Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI), adopted was effective. And with the help of Ayala Malls, the theme “Connecting Mindanao” to promote Mindanao products to new local and foreign markets was realized.
"Since 2012, Abreeza, an Ayala mall in Davao City, has been our partner in opening doors for the Mindanawon entrepreneurs. This partnership has further strengthened when Ayala Malls offered us a wider market for Mindanao products and services," MTEFI president Dr. Rosevic Del Rosario-Cembrano said.
The four-day event in Makati City likewise became an opportunity to highlight the Mindanao products qualified for the Department of Trade and Industry's banner programs, Go Lokal and OTOP Next Gen; showcase the new product designs following the design consultations made; promote possible partnership between Mindanao entrepreneurs and Manila-based companies; and feature the culture and products of the Matigsalug tribe of Davao City.
It can be recalled that the Matigsalug brand, Nasabeka, was launched at the MTE 2017 in Abreeza Mall last August 11.
"We want to maximize this opportunity from the Ayala Malls. It has always been the desire of MTEFI to provide all avenues where the Mindanawon entrepreneurs can promote their products and services and expand their markets,” Del Rosario-Cembrano said.
With the successful conduct of MTE in Glorietta, MTEFI is thankful for the support of DTI, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., and Ayala Malls.
(Thanks to MTEFI and Romeo Vasquez, Jr. for the photos!)
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