The Department of Trade and Industry – Marinduque (DTI-Marinduque) Provincial Office, in partnership with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Marinduque, the Provincial Government of Marinduque and the Municipal Government of Boac, reopens the Marinduque Expo 2021 with the theme “Nagkakaisang Pagtugon ng Marindukenyo sa mga Hamon ng Pandemya para sa Masaganang Bukas” at the Boac Covered Court and Casa Real Open Ground.

The exposition is part of the yearly celebration of Moriones Lenten Rites, which started in 1998 to promote and support local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during the season of Lent. Marinduque is known as the home of the Moriones Festival, an annual Lenten festival during Holy Week.

“Sa kabila po ng banta ng COVID-19 na ating kinakaharap ay itinuloy natin and aktibidad na ito upang matulungan ang mga MSMEs na naapektuhan ng lockdown nung isang taon dahil sa pandemya,” Marinduque Governor Honorable Presbitero Velasco said in his message. Additionally, he applauded the leadership of DTI MIMAROPA Regional Director Joel Valera and DTI Marinduque Officer-in-Charge Provincial Director (OIC-PD) Roniel Macatol for continuously supporting and developing local MSMEs through different programs such as mentoring and market assistance despite of the pandemic.

OIC-PD Macatol inspired MSMEs that despite this pandemic, DTI will always support them from consultancy to market matching. He also reminded everyone to observe WOWS: Wear face mask and shield; Observe physical distancing; Wash hands regularly; and Symptoms reporting.

The trade fair was participated by 62 local MSME-producers of cookies, peanut butter, banana chips, bagoong, patis, buri products, nito products, and food service providers, among others.

Local Mogpog artisan Salvador "Buddy" Liwanagan bends over carving a Morion mask
CRAFT DEMO ON MORION MASK CARVING One of the features in the Marinduque Expo 2021 is the demonstration of morion mask carving by the the Man Behind the Morion Mask. Salvador “Buddy” Liwanagan,60, a local artisan from Mogpog, is the go-to guy for elaborate Morion masks. He started morion carving as a hobby during his high school days. He does not have any formal training in art or wood carving. Liwanagan’s masks are personalized. He makes masks according to clients specifications. Orders come from Moriones enthusiasts in Marinduque and from local and foreign tourists who wants a souvenir of the religious-themed festival of the province.

Present during the launching were DTI MIMAROPA Assistant Regional Director Rodolfo Mariposque, Provincial Administrator Vincent Michael Q. Velasco, Boac Mayor Armi DC Carrion represented by Municipal Administrator Ramila C. Cruzado, Bishop Marcelino Maralit, PCCI Marinduque President Carmelita Reyes and members, and Vice-Governor Romulo Bacorro.

To ensure the safety of the participants and organizers of the activities amid the pandemic, organizers made sure to enforce strict minimum health protocols.

The expo is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. until 4 April 2021. ♦

Date of Release: 30 March 2021

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