One of the accredited and well patronized Kadayawan Festival events held annually is the Mindanao Trade Expo (MTE) mounted by the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI) headed by its president, Dr.Rosevic del Rosario-Cembrano. MTE 2024 was held at the Activity Center of the Abreeza Mall Davao from August 11 to 17, 2024. The weeklong MTE Kadayawan 2024 showcased 150 local exhibitors from all over Mindanao who were selling products like arts and crafts, home decors and houseware items, furniture, fashionable goods and accessories, handwoven fabrics, beauty and wellness solutions, fresh and processed food, tourist destination, among others.
“MTE Kadayawan has always been one of the most anticipated editions of MTE among our exhibitors as it has always consistently generated high foot traffic which translates to high sales and several business engagements….In the MTEFI we are committed to be a valuable ally in the government’s efforts to improve competitive eness and the passion to empower micro, small and medium enterprises thus creating a greater impact at the grassroots level of business enterprise….This year, MTEFI embraces the banner theme of ‘Empowering the Future of MSMEs: Connecting, Cultivating, Commerce,’ as we look ahead to 2024 as an essential year for MSMEs to connect to a wider market and to cultivate competitiveness through innovation and skills enhancement which is consistent with President Ferdinand Marcos’s directive to upgrade, upskill and upscale our MSME,” said Dr. Rosevic del Rosario-Cembrano in her message. Dr. Cembrano also emphasized that the 2024 mantra encourages innovation and product development as essential elements for fostering sustainable competitiveness, with the ultimate aim of ensuring long-term success for the enterprises.
Dr. Cembrano also revealed that the MTEFI continues to assist the MSMEs in expanding and accessing new markets by bringing their products to bigger platforms. This year, MTE will participate in Manila FAME (the country’s premier design and lifestyle exposition) this coming October 17-19, 2024. MTE will also be presented at the Glorietta Mall from October 14 to 17, 2024.
The MTEFI has admirably received awards which recognize the organization’s contribution in the economic development of the City’s progress such as the Pasidungog Garbo sa Dabaw 2024; and as one of the Regional winners of the 2024 Presidential Awards for Outstanding Development Partners given by the Davao Region MSME Development Council.
Present during the opening ceremony of MTE 2024 were DTI Region 11 Director Romeo L. Castanaga, DA RFO XI Director Macario D. Gonzaga, PhilExport President Sergio Ortiz, businesswoman Maricris Floirendo-Brias plus members of the Diplomatic Corps in Davao, to mention some.
The MTEFI expresses its gratitude to its partners and cooperators namely the City Government of Davao, the Davao City Investment Promotion Center, the Davao City Tourism Operation Office, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Agriculture, the Philippine Exporters Confederaion, Inc. and the Ayala Abreeza Mall of Davao for their continued trust and confidence in MTEFI.
