Over 100 exhibitors from C. Visayas join Sandugo FestivalRegional fairs had become part of calendar of foreign buyers
By Fayette C. Ri�en
CEBU CITY, June 27 (PIA) -- Many may not realize it but the simple regional fairs had become part of the “part of the calendar of the foreign buyers,” disclosed DTI-7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte. On July 25 - 29, over 100 exhibitors from Central Visayas will feature their products in the five-day regional Sandugo Festival in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
Some, if not most, of the products to be highlighted belong to the "One Town, One Product" (OTOP) items that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7 is pushing hard for marketing and promotion.
Caberte bared that regional and international trade fairs significantly contribute to the marketing opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“Our agency is pushing really hard in promoting the products of micro, small, and medium enterprises because these are the driving force of the country’s economy, as 99 percent of the business sector is composed of MSMEs,” said Caberte.
Caberte cited that the Regional Sandugo Festival, in the past, was just a simple provincial trade fair, but it has evolved to become a much-awaited big regional event.
“There are some exhibitors coming from Region 6 and we welcome them to the Sandugo Festival as this is one way of promoting the products of our MSMEs,” disclosed Caberte.
But the good news that awaits exhibitors is that the annual regional trade fair event is also much awaited by buyers from abroad.
“I received confirmation that there are foreign buyers that will visit the event in Bohol. In fact, there are some foreign exporters that are willingly to drop their appointments just for the trade fair. This is an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products as foreign buyers are always looking for sources for their raw materials or subcontractors for that matter,” revealed Caberte.
Meanwhile, the "Tindahang Pinoy" in Cebu, which also displays a number of OTOP products, will be joining the Regional Sandugo Festival. (PIA 7, Cebu)
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Drugs Board leads celeb on Int’l Day against Drug Abuse, Illicit Trafficking
By Amorganda A. Saludar
CEBU CITY, June 27 (PIA) -- The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) spearheaded this year’s national commemoration of the globally-held International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) on June 26.
In celebration of the observance, the DDB partnered with the Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse Council and the Inter-Agency Council on Drug Abuse Prevention Education in organizing activities that focus on the relevance of drug abuse prevention and control as well as in keeping a healthy lifestyle.
DDB Chairman Secretary Antonio A. Villar Jr. calls, “on all individuals, organizations, and communities to recognize their roles in advocating for drug abuse prevention and control in consonance with the promotion of health.”
The slated activities for the whole-day commemoration was held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle that included Balik Larong Pinoy, Amazing IDADAIT Race, interschool cheerleading competition, and Seminar-Workshops on First Aid and Basic Life Support.
Another highlight of the program and as part of the agency’s intensified anti-drug campaign, the agency also launched “Sa Droga, Talo Ka!” campaign, which aims to raise public awareness on the evils of drugs.
As an infomercial developed by the DDB and the Department of Health (DOH), “Sa Droga, Talo Ka!” campaign was launched with the presence of supporters and partners from different agencies and organizations, members of different councils, and participants of the different IDADAIT events.
The DDB and the DOH made use of animated characters to convey the campaign’s message primarily focusing on the youth being the main target of the campaign due to their susceptibility and vulnerability.
Asec. Benjamin P. Reyes, DDB Deputy Executive Director for Operations, said “the aim is to make the people especially the youth realize how drugs can destroy the most important things we value such as family, health, relationships, career and education.”
The DDB said it also plans to broadcast the infomercial on the television, radio, and also in the cinemas for a wider audience reach apart from the youth sector.
Based on Resolution 42/112 on December 7, 1987, it was resolved during the United Nations General Assembly that June 26 shall be observed as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in order to express such as expression and determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
The DDB is the main government agency tasked primarily to look after the practice of illegal drugs in the country and to lead on the anti- drug abuse advocacy.
Along with the anti-drug advocacy, UNODC also said it wants to further the Blue Heart Campaign against Human Trafficking that aims to raise awareness and support for victims of human trafficking. (FCR/AYS/PIA 7, Cebu with DDB PR)