TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Matagoan Trade Fair 2022 was formally launched today by elected city officials and representatives from the city government, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Kalinga, and Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Kalinga.
The trade fair features 90 exhibitors, each of whom has paid the city government P1,800.00, (1,000.00 for the space and P300.00 for the permit) according to City Cooperatives Officer Catherine Lee Uera.
From June 18 to July 3, 2022, the trade fair, which is being held in collaboration with DTI Kalinga, will feature a variety of products such as RTWs, delicacies, ornaments, plants, furniture, home decors, and wine, coffee, and other beverages, as well as street foods and displays of various machines and equipment.
In his remarks, City Administrator Noli Tenedero emphasized that the products on display at the trade fair are locally produced, and he urged Tabukeños to support the event in order to help local entrepreneurs grow and maintain their enterprises.
Tenedero also urged the city officials present to help and ensure the small and medium-scale enterprise (SMEs) continued support, as well as the City Cooperatives and Enterprise Development Office (CCEDO) to develop further programs to aid in the manufacture and marketing of locally made products.
In her message, Dexy Catacutan of the DOST Kalinga, who was also present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasized the first-ever Coffee Festival, which is one of the events of this year’s Matagoan Trade Fair and aims to celebrate local coffee growers and processors.
DTI Provincial Director Rene Ramos was thrilled to see local entrepreneurs presenting their products in the city after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
According to him, the DTI would continue to connect and network more micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) programs and projects. He also urged city officials to support MSMEs, which he termed as the city’s lifeblood and economic generators.
Several Heads of the city government offices also attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.