DTI-12, LGU Koronadal hold Bugal Trade Fair during Negosyo Festival

KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 12 through its South Cotabato Provincial Officers forged a partnership with the local government unit of Koronadal City for the conduct of a 10-day trade fair dubbed as “Bugal Trade Fair sa Negosyo Festival” which was launched on Wednesday, October 5, 2022.

The fair, participated by 48 DTI-assisted food and non-food micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of South Cotabato, will run until October 15, 2022 and is part of the enrolled activities in line with the celebration of Koronadal City’s 22nd Charter Anniversary and the 12th Negosyo Festival.

In an interview, DTI-12 OIC Regional Director Flora Politud-Gabunales said that the partnership with LGU Koronadal is proof of the importance viewed by the partner offices in assisting the MSMEs market their products after the more than two years of economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“After the hiatus of more than two years because of the pandemic restrictions, we are again intensifying our efforts to market the products of our local producers. By doing so, we help them pivot their businesses,” said Politud Gabunales.

Participating MSMEs in the trade fair were limited to those who have undergone business and product development interventions from DTI to ensure their readiness and safety of the marketed products.

Aside from product selling, DTI will also feature a financing forum, coffee training, orientation on Halal, food safety and good manufacturing practices, and technology development training on coconut by-products.

The public can also avail of the free brewed coffee and chocolate drink using the locally produced roasted coffee and tablea (chocolate liquor) of the South Cotabato at the Tsokokapehan booth.

The trade fair was ceremonially opened with a gong banging and breaking of cacao pod-shaped piñata by DTI-12 OIC-Assistant Regional Director and concurrent Provincial Director of DTI South Cotabato Rictoniel Reginio, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., and Koronadal Mayor Eliordo Ogena.

Reginio invited the public to visit and promote the trade fair, patronize the local products and participate in the free trainings and sessions.