DTI-Agusan Norte PISTA Christmas Edition Trade Fair
BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Norte, through the program on One Town, One Product (OTOP), officially opened the PISTA Christmas Edition Trade Fair on Monday, November 18. This year’s event highlights the resilience and innovation of local entrepreneurs while celebrating community collaboration.
Conceived during the pandemic in 2020 as a physical and online platform, the PISTA Trade Fair is now in its third year of physical operation, serving as a testament to the resourcefulness and determination of local producers.
This year’s trade fair features 51 exhibitors, comprising 41 food and 10 non-food producers. Among the participants are two indigenous peoples (IP) associations namely, the Maraiging Mamanwa Farmers Skilled Workers Association (MAMAFASWAS) and the Agusan del Norte IP Women Organization (ANIPWO), Inc. Additionally, the Butuan On Producers Association, Inc. (BOPAI) and the Innovative Producers Association of Agusan del Norte, Inc. (IPAADNI), both DTI-assisted associations, are actively participating in the fair.
As part of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), 21 newly designed labels for coconut-based products were launched. This initiative aims to enhance the market competitiveness of local coconut products, benefitting farmers and boosting economic growth in the region.
DTI also turned over P8 million worth of Shared Service Facility (SSF) projects during the event. The handover signified the official transfer of these facilities to cooperators who will manage and operate the equipment to further industrial development and generate employment opportunities.
Distinguished guests from various government offices attended the opening program. Representing the office of Agusan del Norte 2nd district Congressional Rep. Dale B. Corvera was Orencio S. Corvera Jr., while Provincial Administrator of Agusan del Norte Elizabeth Marie R. Calo represented Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante. Butuan City Councilor Joseph Omar O. Andaya, chairperson of the Committee on Trade, Industry, and Economic Development, represented Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada. Several other notable attendees from government and private sectors also joined the event to show their support.
The event culminated in a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, formally marking the official opening of the 15-day trade fair. The PISTA Christmas Edition Trade Fair will run until November 30, 2024, at the ground level (fronting Uniqlo), SM City Butuan, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products while fostering community-driven economic growth. (OTOP-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
