Inquirer Visayas
A trade fair of unique, indigenous products
By Kit Bagaipo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:33:00 08/16/2008
MANILA, Philippines – The finest of central Visayas’ unique products and services that make use of indigenous raw materials and ingenuity were showcased at the 2008 Sandugo Regional Product and Raw Material Trade Fair in Tagbilaran City.
“A quick look at the products will reveal the extent to which we have developed our local crafts and ethnic food from practically nothing to that of a thriving export-oriented industry,” said Asteria Caberte, trade regional director, during the fair’s opening at Island City Mall on July 24.
More than 80 exhibitors came from the tourism, food, fashion accessories, crafts, gifts, toys and housewares, and information and communications technology sectors. There were presenters from Mindanao, Eastern Visayas and Southern Luzon in the show that featured the region’s One Town, One Product (Otop).
Exporters, buying agents, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers and subcontractors also attended.
Craft producers in the region displayed prototypes of their work after a series of training sessions and consultations with expert designers, Caberte said during a press conference with Department of Trade and Industry provincial directors and several mayors.
A raw materials gallery provided buyers and product designers a choice of materials to use, complemented by craft demonstrations on basket-weaving, bag-making, designing fashion accessories and ceramics, box-making and papier-mâché.
Jay Yuvallos, president of Philippine Export Companies (Philexport) Cebu, said the fair also served as an opportunity to develop competitive, viable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and to generate jobs for creative and skilled traditional craftsmen.
After all, Caberte said, the Otop program was about developing local skills using indigenous materials and promoting entrepreneurship and partnership.
Tour packages were offered to visitors to explore the emerging tourist destinations in the region, such as the beach resorts of Bohol and Siquijor, the Ecological Adventure in Danao town, and the Community Life Tour of the Abatan River, which traverses five towns in Bohol.
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