CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The highly-anticipated Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair at SM City CDO Uptown has officially opened its doors, offering an opportunity to explore the vibrant creative scene and diverse products of Northern Mindanao.
Running from August 16 to 22, the fair features 40 exhibitors from Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental, showcasing a wide range of products from home decor and gift items to housewares, food, beverages, and tourism-related offerings
A key focus of this year’s event is the creative industry, a rapidly growing sector that contributed approximately P1.72 trillion to the Philippine economy in 2023.
“By fostering the creative industry in Northern Mindanao, we aim to propel our region’s economy and expand our market beyond the country’s borders,” said Ruel Paclipan, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10 OIC regional director.
Aside from the products, the Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair offers a variety of engaging activities. Attendees can enjoy a Mobile Legend Tournament and Cosplay Competition on August 17, followed by Food Tasting, Handicrafts Demo, Trivia and Games, and Song and Dance Performances on August 18.
A Fashion Showcase is scheduled for August 20, while Kape NorMin will delight visitors on August 21. The fair will conclude on August 22 with exciting activities like a Pitching Game, The Creativerse, and Augmented & Virtual Reality Experiences.
Paclipan said one of the primary objectives of the Kahimunan is to boost sales for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). To achieve this, he called upon media partners, bloggers, private sector supporters, and government allies to promote the event and help expand market opportunities for these businesses.
Raymundo Talimio Jr., chairperson of the MSME Development Council of Misamis Oriental highlighted the opportunities that Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair offers MSMEs. He emphasized the event’s potential for product enhancement, innovation showcase, and business matching.
Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro City Councilor George Goking, co-chair of Kahimunan 2024, shared that with the support of the Mindanao Development Authority, they are working on an ordinance to assist MSMEs.
He noted the challenges these businesses often face in securing bank support due to being perceived as high-risk. Goking said both the local and national governments need to step in to help these MSMEs thrive.
He expressed optimism for the growth of the fair, hoping to increase the number of participants from 40 to 80 in the next year. (APB/PIA-10)
Photo Release:
The annual regional trade fair of DTI-10, dubbed Kahimunan Northern Mindanao, officially opened on August 16, 2024. The event will run until August 22 at SM City CDO Uptown, Cagayan de Oro City. The theme “Culture & Creativity” highlights the exceptional arts and culture of Northern Mindanao. (Photo: APB/PIA-10)
Micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) of Northern Mindanao showcase their products at the 2024 Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair at SM City CDO Uptown in Cagayan de Oro City. (Photo: APB/PIA-10)
