BUTUAN CITY – Giving a platform to locally-made products of the Caraga region, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Caraga will open its 2021 annual regional trade fair dubbed ‘Buy Caraga By Caraga: Balangay Edition’ on 12-16 May at the Atrium of SM City Butuan.

The said fair, in time of the celebration of the Balangay Festival, will showcase products of DTI-assisted micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the five provinces of Caraga.

“The pandemic has surely brought changes especially on the market access of our dear MSMEs. The conduct of this trade fair is a form of intervention as we make sure that government assistance reaches them,” said Regional Director Edwin O. Baquerigo.

Banquerigo added that DTI’s efforts for its MSME clients do not only end by capacitating them with the technical know-how in starting up businesses but also extends up to product development and giving them access to the market.

“Relevant to our goal of ensuring inclusive growth and addressing income inequality, our programs, such as the One Town One Product (OTOP), the DTI Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), and the Rural Agro-Industrial Partnership for Inclusive Development (RAPID) Growth project open opportunities for our MSMEs not only to develop their products but also make sure that these are given market platforms,” said Banquerigo.

Banquerigo encourages the public to support home-grown products and visit the trade fair that will showcase handicrafts, wearables, beverages, fresh and processed foods, and other local products of the region.

Buy Caraga By Caraga is a bi-annual trade fair and exhibit conducted by the DTI since 2012 except after the surge of the pandemic last year. DTI-Caraga has also conducted a special Buy Caraga By Caraga trade fair for women entrepreneurs last 17-31 March 17-31 which was participated by 172 exhibitors.♦

Date of Release: 11 May 2021