At least 150 exhibitors from various regions in Mindanao are showcasing their unique products at the ongoing Mindanao Trade Expo (MTE) Kadayawan 2023 held at Abreeza Mall in Davao City.

The trade expo, running from Aug. 13 to 19, is part of the 38th Kadayawan Festival and carries the theme “Buy Local, Support MSMEs”, or the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Among the exhibitors are two groups of women weavers from Barangays Silay and Kauswagan in Sibagat town, Agusan del Sur, who are showcasing their products made from abaca fibers.

In a statement Tuesday, Sibagat Vice Mayor Maria Liza Evangelista said their participation in the trade expo is a big opportunity for the women weavers to present their products to buyers, designers, and other interested business entities from Mindanao.

“The support to our local weavers is part of the efforts of the local government of Sibagat to strengthen the abaca production,” Evangelista said.

She also thanked the Davao City government and the organizers of the trade expo for the opportunity given to the Sibagat weavers.

Carren Busano of the Sibagat’s Vice Mayor’s Office said designers have already looked into the “Tinoktok” product of the weavers.

The “Tinoktok” is a cloth made from abaca fibers that can be sewn and turned into a shawl or scarf.

“Our weavers also showcase other products from abaca such as baskets, plate mats, and table runners,” Busano said in a phone interview.

Meanwhile, MTE Foundation Inc. president Rosevic Lucilla del Rosario-Cembrano said MTE will continue to provide marketing platforms “and to be a valuable ally to local governments in empowering MSMEs by stimulating demand for local products.”

For his part, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte welcomed the MTE exhibitors and pledged that the local government will continue supporting MSMEs not only in Davao City but also from other parts of Mindanao.

“This event serves as an avenue for us to showcase the rich cultural heritage and the economic potential of not just the city of Davao but also the entire region of Mindanao. The city government supports the advocacy of this event and the promotion of what we can contribute to the growth of our economic stability,” he said. (PNA)