The Sandugo Trade Expo 2013 was formally opened in a short program July 24,2013 at 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon at the Activity Center of Island City Mall. It is one of the major events of the month long celebration of the Sandugo Festival. It is hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-Bohol) and participated by provincial and regional MSMEs or micro, small and medium enterprises. The organizers were led by DTI-Bohol Provincial Director Maria Elena C. Arbon and DTI-Region 7 Director Asteria C. Caberte.
City Mayor Hon. John Geesnell L. Yap II welcomed the guests from different sectors of the province and the region. Provincial Governor Hon. Edgar M. Chatto inspired not only the Boholano entrepreneurs but as well as the participating exhibitors from other provinces and nearby regions. DTI UnderSecretary Hon. Zenaida C. Maglaya, Regional Operations Development Group delivered the Keynote Message.
MSME’s different parts of the Visayas participated and displayed their wares at the ICM activity Center and at the parking area of the mall inside the inflatable structure nicknamed “The Block”.. This year’s theme is “GO GREEN,BUY LOCAL” encourage consumers and industrial buyers to patronize local products.
The exhibit varied from fashion accessories, home and office furnishings, decors to different food products. Indigenous materials were creatively woven into intricate designs and are sold at bargain prices. Unique food products and delicacies produced by the various food processing firms may be sampled at the activity area of the mall.
DTI UnderSecretary Hon. Zenaida C. Maglaya, Regional Operations Development Group delivering the keynote message
Information technology firm, Auza.Net, participated in the event and was the only IT company with a booth. Auza.Net showcased its latest project Bohol.Info website (www.bohol.info) which is an online business directory for Boholano MSMEs. A free webpage on www.bohol.info is ideal for those who want their company to have an online presence where their products and services may be posted for free. Those who want to be able to frequently update their online information on www.bohol.info may pay a very low annual fee in order to claim web page ownership which allows them to edit the page anytime.