Monday, May 06, 2024

Tag: DTI

NorMin MSMEs upskill to digital entrepreneurship

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Dec. 19, 2023, 7:13 pm) – Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Northern Mindanao region were given interventions to upskill in digital entrepreneurship

In a statement on Tuesday, the PLDT and Smart Telecommunications firm, the organizer of eBizNovation, said the program aims to equip MSMEs with digital skills and tools to lead them toward innovative livelihood opportunities.
Jorenn Decierdo, a student from the Cagayan de Oro City College, said some entrepreneurs were still stuck in traditional marketing, and training them in digital upskills will help them improve their livelihood.
“We are happy to help teach and inspire them to level up their businesses with online platforms,” he said.
Cooperatives and MSMEs from Northern Mindanao attended two workshops – the Aahon at Babangon series with Shopee, – in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry-Northern Mindanao (DTI-10), and the BuyLocal Bazaar with the Cooperative Development Authority-10 recently.
Supported by Kagay-anon youth volunteers, entrepreneurs conceptualized and created short videos to promote their products online.
PLDT and Smart were able to gather more than 500 MSMEs not only in this city but also in Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, and Northern Mindanao, with support from local government units and other agencies.
“Through collaboration, we can boost our efforts to digitally upskill and assist local enterprises, helping them to increase productivity and income through digital technology,” said Stephanie Orlino, assistant vice president and head of stakeholder management at PLDT and Smart.
The training for MSMEs coincides with the recent developments organized by DTI-10 with the launching of One Town One Product (Otop) Philippines Go Lokal Store in Laguindingan Airport, Misamis Oriental.
The OTOP Go Lokal! store is the ninth OTOP hub established in Northern Mindanao but the first in the region to be launched inside an airport. It features products from 33 MSMEs in Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. (Nef Luczon/PNA)

LEDIPO Malaybalay honored as one of outstanding LEDIPOs in Bukidnon

Posted on by cmn

In a significant event at Robinson’s Place, Valencia City, on December 9, 2023, LEDIPO Malaybalay City was acknowledged as one of the outstanding Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Offices (LEDIPOs) in Bukidnon

The recognition was awarded by the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) PAGDAYEG Stakeholders Awards, a testament to the city’s exceptional dedication and success in economic development and investment promotion initiatives throughout the year 2023.

Mr. Romeo Lapeciros, Jr., the designated LEDIPO of Malaybalay, proudly accepted the award and certificate of recognition on behalf of the City Government of Malaybalay.

The ceremony witnessed the gathering of distinguished LEDIPO representatives from various local government units (LGUs) who were similarly commended for their remarkable contributions.

LEDIPO Malaybalay City, having commenced operations this year, has demonstrated a commendable commitment to implementing initiatives fostering economic growth and investment promotion in the city.

The office’s efforts, aligned with the initiated programs and activities for the year 2023, have significantly elevated its role in promoting LEDIPO services, encompassing both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to attract entrepreneurs and investors to explore and engage in economic opportunities within the city.

The City Government of Malaybalay looks forward to sustained growth and prosperity under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran and the members of the Local Investment and Incentives Board in the years to come. (LCRM)

Region 10 inflation accelerates further to 6.7% in September

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Inflation accelerated for the second time this year, driven by faster increases in food and non-alcoholic beverages, transport, and information and communication

Chief Statistical Specialist Sarah Balagbis of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-10 said the regional headline inflation or the rate of change of the average prices of goods and services in the region accelerated at 6.7 percent in September 2023, faster than the 5.0 percent in August 2023.

Balagbis cited food and non-alcoholic beverages as the main drivers of the uptrend in overall inflation, as the commodity group registered a higher inflation rate of 13.2 percent in September from 9.1 percent the previous month. The said commodity group contributed 83.5 percent share in the overall inflation.

“The main source of the 4.1 percentage points increase of inflation in food and non-alcoholic beverages was cereals and cereal products with an inflation of 23.1 percent in September, from 9.5 percent in August, with rice as the primary source of acceleration.

The increase in food inflation was also attributed to vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses at 24.7 percent inflation, with onion as the major contributor, and fish and other seafood at 7.1 percent, with dried fish as the main contributor.

Transport also pushed the inflation rate up as the commodity group registered 0.0 percent in September from -1.5 percent in August.

Accordingly, the major sources of inflation of transport were gasoline, which posted a slower decrease of prices at -4.4 percent in September 2023 from -10.8 percent inflation in August, and diesel, which also posted a slower drop of prices at -14.6 percent in September from -16.9 percent in August.

Balagbis further said that all the provinces and highly urbanized cities in the region posted faster increases in prices in September, with Lanao del Norte registering the highest inflation rate at 9.1 percent, followed by Bukidnon at 8.7 percent and Misamis Oriental at 7.3 percent.

On the other hand, Cagayan de Oro City registered the lowest inflation at 4.7 percent.

Given the latest inflation result, the government vowed to continue implementing measures to respond to rising prices.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10 Planning Officer Blessie Cimacio said they would continue their regular price monitoring for basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) throughout the region. We will ensure that the prices of our goods are within the suggested retail prices,” she said.

Patrick Ian Pedarse, chief of the Department of Agriculture (DA) -10’s Administrative and Finance Division, said that aside from the interventions to boost the production of corn and rice, DA-10 is also conducting an allium derby to cushion the effect of inflation on our onions. (APB/PIA-10)

21st AFC Congress: Tapok Mag-uuma 2023 gipahigayon

Posted on by cmn

Ang City Agriculture Office (CAgO) sa pakigtambayayong sa City Agriculture and Fishery Council (CAFC) nagsaulog sa ika-21 ka tuig sa AFC congress niadtong Oktubre 18, 2023 sa Kaamulan Folk Arts Theatre, Malaybalay City

Ang kalihokan nagdala sa tema “Saka Ta Agri-preneurs.”

Ang tinuig nga kalihokan mihatag og dungog ug pag-ila sa mga paningkamot ug bililhong kontribusyon sa mga mag-uuma sa dakbayan. Mao usab kini ang higayon nga maipakita sa Malaybalay Agri-preneurs ang ilang produkto ug negosyo.

Ang Tapok Mag-uuma 2023 gisugdan sa isa ka motorkada ug gisalmotan sa 459 ka partisipante nga gilangkuban sa BAFC Chairperson matag barangay, duha ka miyembro matag sektor, ug mga empleyado sa CAgO.

Gisalmotan usab sa uban pang ahensya sa gobyerno nga direktang nalambigit sa pagpalambo sa agrikultura sa dakbayan sama sa Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), National Dairy Authority (NDA), Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) ug lain-laing buhatan sa Lokal nga Pangagamhanan sa Malaybalay.

Atol sa maong programa, si CAgO -OIC Engr. Richard B. Leono miabi-abi sa mga halangdong bisita alang sa ilang hingpit nga suporta.

Sumala pa ni Leono, pinaagi sa pagtinabangay, ang CAgO nakab-ot sukad niadtong Septyembre 2023 sa kinatibuk-ang 33,409 metriko tonelada alang sa produksyon sa humay, 85,330.31 metriko tonelada alang sa produksyon sa mais, 318,592.96 metriko tonelada alang sa produksyon sa high value commercial crops, 49.50 metriko tonelada alang sa produksyon sa tilapia, ug 49.50 metriko tonelada alang sa produksyon sa hito.

Dugang pa, iyang gipresentar ang usa ka video gamit ang kabag-ohan sa teknolohiya nga nagpakita sa lain-laing mga programa, proyekto, ug mga kalihokan nga gipahigayon sa CAgO nga nakatampo sa maong mga kalampusan.

Ang keynote speaker nga si Dir. Famelah Racquel D. Villanueva sa DTI nipaambit og mensahe pinaagi sa usa ka panultihon nga nagkanayon “Begin with the end in mind”. Gihatagan niya og gibug-aton ang kahulogan niini nga may kalabutan sa tema sa kalihokan nga konektado usab sa Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Week nga naay tema nga “Upgrade, Upskill, ug Upsize MSMEs.”

Gidasig niya ang mga mag-uuma aron kini magmalampuson. Gipaambit niya nga ang kalampusan mahimong makab-ot pinaagi sa pag-adopt sa teknolohiya, pagpadayon sa edukasyon ug pag-uswag, market diversification, financial accessibility, sustainable practices, kolaborasyon ug networking, ug needs analysis. Gitapos niya ang iyang mensahe pinaagi sa pagpaambit usab sa usa ka kinutlo nga nag-ingon “Ang katuyoan nga wala’y plano usa ra ka pangandoy.”

Si City Councilor Alan Ryann O. Legaspi isip Committee chair sa Agriculture nipaambit sa iyang mensahe nga nakasumite na og tulo ka ordinansa alang sa machineries profiling, organic-certified farmers, ug livestock registration. Iyang giawhag ang Rural Improvement Clubs (RICs) ug 4H Youth Clubs nga mosumiter og project proposal aron siya makagahin og pundo alang kanila.

Samtang si Acting Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Ma. Lilith M. Turan nagpahibalo sa mga programa, proyekto ug aktibidad nga giabag sa Provincial Agriculture Office para sa dakbayan karong tuiga sama sa Bahay Kubo Project, Organic Farmers Assistance, Kadiwa, dugang Php 2.00 nga umento sa presyo sa humay, Young Farmers Challenge, ug Sustainable Land Management.

Highlight sa “Tapok Mag-uuma 2023” mao ang presentasyon sa 22 ka mga resolusyon nga i-endorso sa CAFC gipangulohan ni Chairperson Leonard O. Leyros. Lakip sa resolusyon mao ang abaca isip flagship program sa Lokal nga Pangagamhanan ug alang sa paghatag og inputs sa lain-laing ahensya alang sa nasangpit nga tanom.

Gisumite usab ang mga resolusyon alang sa Malaybalay City Agri-preneurs Association, Malaybalay City Corn Growers Association (MCCGA), Malaybalay City Fisherfolks Association (MCFA), Malaybalay City Rural Improvement Club (MCFRIC), ug Agri-based Cooperatives.

Ang paghatag ug Plaque of Appreciation ug Recognition sa Active Rural Based Organization gihatag dayon ngadto sa lain-laing mga mag-uuma ug organisasyon matag kategorya. Ang mga awardees mao ang mosunod: Mr. Cerilo Arocha alang sa Rice Farmer Category (Barangay Linabo), Ms. April B. Malatamban alang sa Organic Agriculture Category (Simaya), Ms. Lourdes Limbu alang sa High Value Commercial Crops Category (Miglamin), ug Ms. Anna Paula Chiong alang sa Agri-preneur Category (Barangay 1).

Gidunol ang award sa Outstanding Rural Women nga sila si Ms. Maria Celsa G. Embudo sa Barangay Bangcud, Ms. Vicenta P. Tejada sa Barangay Managok, ug Ms. Francis B. Malatamban sa Barangay Simaya.

Giila ang mga kabatan-onan kinsa mao ang 4H Club scholars sa Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) nga sila si: Ms. Careen C. Elloren (BS-Agriculture, CMU), Ms. Jenerose D. Callejas (BS-Agriculture, CMU), ug Mr. John Chris Ramirez (BS-AgEcon, CMU).

Nahimong awardee ang 4H Youth Interns gikan sa Taiwan nga sila si: Mr. Jason Gonzales sa Barangay Linabo ug Mr. Randy Donque sa Barangay Imbayao.

Pasidungog ang naangkon gikan sa atong certified organic farmers nga sila si: Ms. Francis B. Malatamban sa Anpas Farm, Simaya, Ms. Everly G. Ampalaya sa Green Wonder Farm, Sinanglanan, ug Mr. Reynaldo Gil G. Lomarda sa Umanika Farm, Barangay 10.

Dungan nga kompetisyon ang napahigayon para sa 4H ug RIC. Ang 4H winners mao sila si Mr. Khiersten Abyin Calderon sa Barangay Bangcud alang sa Poster Making Contest, Mr. Greggy Amarga sa Barangay Bangcud alang sa Dish Gardening, ug Dalwangan National High School alang sa Mini Blog. Para sa RIC, ang mga mananaog mao sila si: Ms. Delia Lizada sa Barangay Bangcud ug Ms. Veronica Gargar sa Barangay 1 alang sa Dish Gardening, RIC Kulaman alang sa Exhibit ug display sa mga produkto, RIC Casisang alang sa Cooking Contest, ug Barangay Aglayan RIC alang sa ang presentasyon sa video.

Ang presentasyon sa lain-laing mga ahensya gipasiugdahan sa hapon sa DOST, NDA, PCA, PHILFIDA, ug BFAR diin ang mga partisipante nagpadayag sa lain-laing mga pangutana. Gisundan kini sa Search for Ms. 4H 2023 ug Ginang RIC 2023. Nahimong Ms. 4H 2023 si Ms. Kathrina Delos Reyes sa Barangay Managok ug Ginang RIC 2023 si Ms. Juvelyn L. Revisado sa Barangay Sumpong.

Ang kalihokan gitapos sa 4H Youth Club Candle Lighting Ceremony nga nagsimbolo sa mga paglaum, ug pangandoy sa kabatan-onan alang sa kalamboan sa tibuok nasud. (LGU Malaybalay)

Bukidnon farmers’ groups, agribiz enterprises registration facilitated

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – To capacitate and enable farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), and young farmers’ agribusiness enterprises to have greater access to government support, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado recently held a facilitation activity in the registration/certification of such individuals and groups

More than 21 attendees, comprising representatives from the FCAs, young farmers and a local government from Bukidnon province attended the activity which was facilitated by DA-10’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).

The activity aims to provide guidance on the legality of running a business to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, optimize administrative procedures, and enhance the capacity of these individuals and groups.

Different partner agencies were invited to discuss, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which laid out the specifics of whether said agri enterprises wish to register as a partnership or corporation, and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) for those applicants who wish to be registered as a cooperative.

Also present were representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who discussed the importance and requirements for the registration of one’s Business Name and Product Packaging and Labeling as well as Certificate of Product Registry and Good Manufacturing Practices for Food Operators, respectively.

For DA-10’s part, the requisites for enrollment into the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS), and Civil Society Organization (CSO) accreditation were tackled.

Such information will enable the participants to maximize the agency’s diverse interventions and services while also playing a pivotal role as collaborative development partners with the department in executing agricultural and fisheries projects.

Capping off the activity, DA-10 AMAD Assistant Division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe encouraged the participants to have their agri enterprises accredited by the government for them to be eligible for more agri-fishery support that they can capitalize on in the future. (DA RFO-10)

MinDA, DTI-10 update stakeholders on EU GsP+, free trade agreements

Posted on by cmn

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–As part of the continuing efforts to better prepare and strengthen industries and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to thrive and compete internationally, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10 conducted a forum on European Union’s (EU) Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) and other free trade agreements

DTI Misamis Oriental Provincial Director Almer Masillones said the forum aimed to bring together industries and MSMEs in Northern Mindanao to have an equal understanding of the export opportunities of the region’s products and the trading performance of Mindanao in the European market.

During the forum, the participants received updates on the Philippine Export Development Plan 2023-2028 and opportunities under free trade agreements (FTAs).

“Kani usab ang amoang way sa pag engage sa atoang private sector nga maka access pa sila ug wide incentives in their engagements sa ilang business outside,” said Director Olie Dagala of MinDA.

[This is also our way of engaging our private sector so they can access vast incentives in their business engagements outside.]

The highlight was the presentation on the status of the EU-GSP+, a special incentive arrangement that allows the country to export more than 6,200 products to any EU member country tariff-free.

The country’s exports grew from €5.7 billion in 2014 to €10.4 billion in 2022 through this preferential tariff scheme.

Among the country’s top GSP+ exports are crude coconut oil and skipjack tuna, while the top GSP+ export destinations were Germany, Netherlands, France, Italy, and Spain.

“Indeed, the GSP+ paved the way for the exporters to increase their market access and sales opportunities to the EU market, which is one of the largest markets in the world, improving their competitiveness and allowing them to sell more products and contribute to the Philippines’ economic growth leading to more jobs creation,” added Masillones.

However, this scheme is set to expire by the end of this year.

The DTI provincial director stated that the forum also serves as a platform for consulting with stakeholders to formulate the country’s position regarding the expiration of its GSP+ access and any proposed extension.

To date, MinDA and DTI have already conducted forums for other stakeholders in key cities of Mindanao island, particularly General Santos and Zamboanga.

Meanwhile, DTI, through its Export Management Bureau, continues to assist industries and MSMEs in their exporting needs.

“We have a frontline service, yung [the] Export Assistance and Business Matching Division. We guide yung mga [our] exporters natin ano yung mga [what are the] steps and ano yung mga [what are the] requirements needed for each of the markets. We have a lot of market officers who can provide market requirements that can guide our exporters. We also have product officers who can guide them from the domestic up to the export market. In terms sa mga [of the] certification, we have export enablers that we can refer to our exporters. We try to connect everyone para easy and okay yung exporting journey nila [so that their exporting journey is easy and okay],” said the bureau’s Chief Trade Industry Specialist, Rudolph Jay Velasco. (APB/PIA-10)

DTI urges students to showcase artistic flair in celebrating 2023 CWM

Posted on by cmn

MALAYBALAY CITY – In a bid to harness the creative prowess of college students and promote sustainable living, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bukidnon has unveiled an exciting E-Poster Making Contest, coinciding with the celebration of 2023 Consumers Welfare Month (CWM)

The “GenS: Generation Sustainable” theme encapsulates the essence of the contest, inviting young artists to use their talents as a vehicle to advocate a more sustainable future.

Junar B. Merla, Chief of DTI-Bukidnon’s Consumer Protection Division, unveiled various activities in observance of Consumer Welfare Month during the press conference on October 2.

“This E-Poster Contest is a platform for budding artists to showcase their talents and a call to action for the younger generation to engage in ‘sustainability’ advocacy,” he said.

The contest is open to all college students by encouraging participants to harness their artistic energy to create a captivating digital poster. With the flexibility of using any software, students have the opportunity and freedom to express their unique perspectives on sustainability.

Each participant is limited to a single entry, challenging them to unleash their best work. The aspect ratio requirement of 18 x 24 inches ensures a visually cohesive presentation, creating a level playing field for all submissions.

Entries should adhere to the theme and prioritize originality, encouraging participants to think outside the box as they strive to convey a powerful message.

Output must be submitted by October 13, 2023, to [email protected] ema il address.

DTI will feature the selected entries on its diverse information-sharing platforms, including social media, for widespread recognition.

Judges will evaluate entries based on three criteria: Originality-30%; Relevance to the theme-40%; and Aesthetic appeal-30%.

The top three winners will receive cash prizes and plaques, with the 1st prize receiving P3,000, the 2nd prize P2,000, and the 3rd prize P1,000.

Winners will be announced on October 16, and the grand awarding ceremony will be on October 17, 2023, in Valencia City. (BGE/PIA 10/Bukidnon)

Coffee production tutukan sa Bukidnon multi-stakeholders

Posted on by cmn

Napili nga tutukan sa Bukidnon Multi-stakeholders ang produktong kape, sa gipahigayon nga dialogue ug pre-planning alang sa Investment Promotion, nga gipasiugdahan sa German International Development Cooperation (GIZ) ug Peace Sustainable Development Movers, Inc. (PSDM), sulod sa tulo ka adlaw, Setyembre 20-22, 2023, Mantangale Dive Resort, Balingoan, Misamis Oriental

Sunod nga proseso ang pagabuhaton sa grupo mao ang study mission alang sa public-private partnership, database system training, web development, investment forum, Training on Quality Graders, Development of Bukidnon Bean standards and campaign, ingon man ang uban pang mga lakang sa pamunuhan.

Sa dialogue ug pre-planning nga gipartisiparan sa Provincial Government of Bukidnon, mga cooperative sa Bukidnon, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), ug uban pang ahensya sa gobyerno, ingon man sa pribadong sector, alang sa katuyuan sa GIZ, gituki ang State of Agriculture Investments alang sa probinsya sa Bukidnon, Identify the top Agricultural Commodities for Investment Promotion and Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PCIP) and related conflicts, Current and Emerging opportunities with agribusiness in private sector and other institutional markets (Finca de Garces- coffee production and marketing), Public Food Procurement ug Identifying Investment Promotion Strategies and Partnership.

Ang maong kalihokan nagtumong nga maila ang mga conflictive issues ug major crops nga masulod sa pag-promote sa pamuhunan, diin nag-brainstorm ug nag-ila sa mga maayong lakang, mga hagit ug mga isyu nga may kalabutan sa nagpadayon nga pamuhunan, ug pagpasiugda sa sektor sa agrikultura sa probinsya sa Bukidnon, ingon man makakuha og impormasyon sa mga potensyal ug mga oportunidad sa pagpasiugda sa pamuhunan sama sa institutional marketing (public food procurement) ug public engagement, ug nag-ila sa angay nga mga estratehiya ug rekomendasyon sa palisiya nga motultol sa usa ka indicative plan alang sa conflict sensitive ug inclusive investment promotion sa mga paagi sa paghimo sa kompleto ug insaktong Enhanced Provincial Investment Promotion Plans (PIPP) alang sa probinsya sa Bukidnon. (LGU Bukidnon)

Visitour.ph app, gilusad sa Bukidnon

Posted on by Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah

Ang online application nga Visitour.ph app gilusad niadtong Setyembre 13, 2023 sa Kaamulan Open Theatre, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Base sa pahibalo sa Provincial Government of Bukidnon, uban sa pakigtimbayayong sa PGB,

gipasabot sa mga personahi sa Visitour.ph ang paggamit sa online application niini.

Gipasabot ang app ngadto sa mga tourism officers sa lungsod ug syudad sa probinsya, mga personahi sa Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), ug mga tunghaan ug uban pang hingtungdang partisipante.

Ang visitour.ph application ang pinaka-una nga one-stop shop tourism application sa nasud.

Matod pa, isa kini ka all-in one mobile app diin makita sa mga turista ang tanan nga ilang kinahanglan kung magbyahe, gikan sa pagpa-book sa mga tours ug accommodation, pagpangita sa mga promo o local updates, digital payments o remittance, location maps ug uban pa.

Pinaagi sa paglusad sa maong app, gilantaw nga mas mapalambo pa niini ang turismo sa lalawigan. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

25 delegates from Mindanao to join international expo in Sabah

Posted on by cmn

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 13 Sept)—A total of 25 delegates from Mindanao and Palawan will join the Sabah International Expo from September 22 to 24 in Malaysia in the hopes of increasing trade exports to countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, and official of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said

During the “Wednesdays Media Forum at Habi at Kape,” Anelyn G. Binancillan, Investment Promotion Division development management officer IV, said that delegates would showcase the strength of Mindanao, particularly agricultural and tourism products and services, during the international expo at Sabah International Convention Centre.

She said they hope to generate interest from business counterparts for the various goods offered by companies in Mindanao, which remains a net importer of goods from its neighbors in the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Binancillan said it has always been their objective to promote Mindanao-produced goods and make them more visible in the markets across Southeast Asia.

“Overall, how are we faring in terms of trade? We are more on imports rather than exports,” she said.

She said among the companies participating in the expo are Hijo Resources, Bioskin Tech Laboratories Inc., Treelife, DusitD2 Davao, and Aleson Shipping, but added that there are more companies from Western Mindanao and Northern Mindanao who are interested to join the delegation.

She said the delegation also includes different government agencies, chambers of commerce from Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and Palawan.

Romeo L. Castañaga, assistant regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry-Davao, said that exhibitors from across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Middle East have also been invited to the international expo.

He said around 20 countries will join the expo.

Binancillan added that Mindanao-based companies are expected to hold business-to-business matching sessions with their counterparts.She said that the products that will be exhibited include banana-based products like chips and flour, coco-based products like sugar and other derivatives, chocolate products, abaca bags and home decor, skincare, and tourism packages.

Binancillan said there is a direct sea link being serviced by a passenger vessel of Aleson Shipping from Zamboanga City to Sandakan in Malaysia.

She said they are supporting the move of the autonomous Bangsamoro government to put a cargo vessel along this route to promote trade between these areas since Malaysia is geographically closer to the Zamboanga Peninsula and BARMM. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)