The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is giving more exposure to homegrown products from Mimaropa region.
Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez is calling on the public to visit the 2018 Mimaropa Naturally Agri-Trade and Tourism Fair at the SM Megamall trade hall that is set to open on October 17.
Secretary Lopez said he is confident that the public will find the products and shows at the Mimaropa Naturally fair enjoyable. He also said various agencies have converged to help local entrepreneurs and cooperatives from the region with the latest technology in food and non-food processing.
Aside from its biodiversity , culture and traditions, Mimaropa is also known as one of the country’s rice granaries and sources of tuna and other fish products, bananas, arrowroot cookies, lemons and marble souvenirs.
For his part, Trade and Industry Mimaropa Regional Director Joel Valera said they will be launching new food products on Kalamansi (lemons), honey, cashews and fish products.
Director Valera said they will also feature bags, baskets and furniture from Bambuhay cooperative whose members are Tagbanuas of Palawan.
All exhibitors, he said, are beneficiaries of the DTI shared service delivery program which included, training, provision of machineries and facilitation of licenses from the Food and Drug Administration (for local food manufacturers).
Every handicraft purchased at Mimaropa Naturally will benefit indigenous people’s communities in Tara, Buenavista, and Malawig of Coron, Palawan.
Mimaropa Naturally will run until October 21. (LP/PIA-Mimaropa)