Mindanao at its Best

It was 1996, and Mindanao was on the upswing. Investments were pouring in and the economy was growing. Exports, recognized by government as the lynchpin of its economic recovery program, was fueling the country’s hopes for the new millennium.

That year, a group of Mindanao entrepreneurs saw the need to bring the products of Mindanao to the global market. They felt it was time to showcase Mindanao–its products, potentials and people.

Thus was born the Mindanao Trade Expo (MTE). Led by designer and exporter Ann T. Pamintuan, the group proved their capability to hold an international trade show that was impressive in its magnitude. The results were very encouraging and from then on, the show became the foremost exponent of showcasing Mindanao products to the world. Not only national but international buyers began looking to the MTE for innovative, quality food, fashion and houseware products. The expo became a yearly habit–and a very profitable one at that: last year’s sales topped P45 million.

Participating firms also grew with the fair. Many that started out as mere backyard industries have, through exposure at the fair and as a result of training and technology transfer offered by the organizers, expanded both manufacturing capability and marketing reach. Among them are Tadeco Livelihood (high-end t’nalak cushions with coconut beads), Astorga Handloom (handwoven material for curtains), Maria Vinecraft (lamps and house-ware items made of vine), Gildex (furniture and accessories of indigenous materials gilded in gold and silver), Salay Paper (handmade paper products), Cadet Corp. (wood furniture), Blessie’s (banig and cocoshell fashion accessories) and Nenita’s (food products).

Now on its sixth year, Midnanao Trade Expo 2001 opens at the Central Bank Convention Hall in Davao City on August 9, with no less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo–flying in directly from her state visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia–as guest of honor. Buying agents for department and specialty stores, exporters, as well as top designers are checking out this year’s crop of manufacturers. Buyers from ASEAN region importers and retailers are likewise going to be attending the fair, order books in hand.

The Mndanao Trade Expo 2001 is one way of looking at Mindanao in a positive and beautiful way.