Consistent in its pursuit to be a major supplier of minimally processed food and institutionally packed goods, Department of Trade and Industry Region 2 launched this year’s Padday na Lima Regional Trade Fair (RTF) on August 7 at the Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
The trade fair is brought back to its original venue in Muntinlupa City, but was held locally in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan for three consecutive years due to the pandemic.
DTI Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Blesila A. Lantayona underscored the agency’s efforts in intensifying its programs and services, upgrading and upskilling MSMEs, and expressed his support and excitement to see the outcome of Cagayan Valley’s offering coming back to the metropolis.
Dubbed as Cagayan Valley’s biggest marketing platform, the weeklong fair will bring together top institutional buyers, over 100 local MSMEs and farmers, media industry professionals, and NCR-based consumers.
Going with the theme “Bringing the Flavors and Colors of Cagayan Valley Back to the Metro,” DTI Region 2, through the leadership of Regional Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, is showcasing the region’s craftsmanship, culture, and tastes.
This year’s edition highlights its tourism exhibitions, investment opportunities, new product innovations, and business-to-business matching.
DTI Region 2 also launched the first-ever Media Experience Tour (MET), providing the public, especially the media community, a special window to witness firsthand a whole new perspective of the 17th Padday na Lima RTF. The MET features a festival-themed lounge and a guided tour.
Likewise, a vibrant display of best creations from the local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) took center stage with the Padday na Lima Collections Fashion Show. These include an array of textiles, weaves, crafts, and designs — each a testament to the region’s rich artistic heritage.
Dendridge Atelier by Dendridge Alvarez, a well-known designer in Region 2, is taking the spotlight, showcasing combinations of modern fashion and traditional artistry with extraordinary designs paying homage to the legacy of Region 2.
Other distinguished MSME’s featured at the fashion show include: [1] Indigenous Enabel Craft by Andrea Aswige (specializes in raw fabrics), [2] Santos Women Weavers Association (specializes in raw fabrics), [3] Sta. Praxedes Sarakat Women Weavers Association (specializes in woven bags and an eclectic range of woven items), [4] Andrea’s Paper Beads by Jessah Andrea Domingo (specializes in accessories i.e. paper earrings, bracelets, etc.), [5] JoanTrepreneur by Joan C. Magat (specializes in hand-made and hand-painted bags crafted from jute material).
The Padday na Lima RTF will run until August 13 at the Carousel Court, Upper Ground Floor, West Wing of the Festival Mall.
Artisanal handcrafted products displayed in the fair are also available online through the Padday na Lima Webshop at paddaynalima.com, where NCR-based consumers could conveniently place their orders in the comfort of their homes.
