Aiming to surpass last year’s P9.2M revenues generated, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Region 2 officially launched this year’s Padday Na Lima Regional Trade Fair at Festival Mall Alabang, Muntinlupa City last September 24.
In partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), the 13th year of Padday Na Lima features Cagayan Valley’s bountiful agro products – fresh and processed form, highlighting the Region as the leading producer of corn, rice, citrus, banana, pineapple, ginger, peanuts, mung bean, and lowland vegetables (pinakbet).
DTI-Regional Operations Group Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-Naga complimented the convergent efforts of DTI and DA in supporting local farmers in increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring higher returns.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa Department of Agriculture kasi without the DA, ano naman ang inenegosyo namin? Dapat talagang paigtingin natin ang suporta sa mga magsasaka, turuan natin sila. All their products ay dapat i-product demo upang magkaroon ng merkado,” said Assistant Secretary Du-Naga as guest speaker during the opening ceremony of the trade fair.
Being the Program Manager of the One Town One Product (OTOP) Next Generation, Assistant Secretary Du-Naga also encouraged the participating micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to undergo product and brand development, through the OTOP Program, to achieve a more competitive innovation and a larger market.
“Sabi nga ni Secretary Ramon Lopez, tulungan natin lahat ang MSMEs lalo na po ang mga OTOPreneur. Kaya naman ibinubuhos namin ang lahat ng atensyon sa kanila. Kayo na lang ang susuko pero ang DTI ay hindi susuko to support you,” Asec. Naga added.
“Padday Na Lima,” an Ybanag vernacular which means “made by hands,” has been the banner for marketing and promotion of exquisite Cagayan Valley’s products. This year’s trade fair is participated by 96 exhibitors, flaunting their trademark products from the Provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino, ranging from furniture and furnishings, processed food, fashion accessories, home decors, arts and crafts, wearbales, fresh fruits and vegetables, ornamental plants, among others. This is an opportunity for the people from around Metro Manila to enjoy the specialties from the provinces.
Padday Na Lima Regional Trade Fair runs through September 24-30, 2019.♦
Date of Release: 25 September 2019