Panabo showcases local produce in mall

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte, March 24 (PIA)– The City Government of Panabo through the City Tourism and Investment Promotion Office opened on March 22 a souvenir exhibit of local products in a mall.

To run for 16 days until April 6, the souvenir exhibit at the Grand Gaisano Mall of Panabo   serves as  a showcase of the Tatak Panabo Pasalubong Center  which has its regular display area at the Panabo City Integrated Bus and Jeepney Terminal.

Among those who attended the opening  ceremony were Edwin Banquerigo, provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry Davao del Norte Provincial Office; Leo Balasabas, branch manager of the mall; Ramon Sawan, city administrator; Jovito Glodo, executive secretary of the city mayor; Dizon Namuag, president of the Panabo City Tourism Council; and city councilors Miguel Niez, Emmanuel Pamisaran, and Emeterio Blase.

Cher Bastida, officer-in-charge city tourism officer , said her office launched the exhibit in line with the mandate of the city government to assist local micro, small and medium enterprises in giving them access to market.

Tatak Panabo is a local branding of products produced in the city by local entrepreneurs.

“This is also an avenue for Panaboans, who produces quality products to know that this program of the government exist and can help them  access  their target market,” Bastida said.

Bastida encouraged local producers to go to the City Tourism and Investment Promotion Office located at the new Panabo City Hall and register their products under Tatak Panabo.

Their products will undergo screening by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council of the city, she explained.

Bastida conveyed  appreciation of City Mayor Jose Silvosa  the mall management which allowed a free of charge display of souvenir items at  the prime area  in the mall.

The city government was hopeful that the mall management would  approve its request to extend  the Pasalubong display period until  December this year, Bastida said.

Panao City Council of Women official, Letecia Basadre expected the  exhibit to provide council members the opportunity to earn substantial income out  of their display.

Same with those found at the transport terminal, the  Tatak Panabo exhibit at Grand Gaisano Mall of Panabo includes bottled Bangus, peanut butter, banana chips, printing souvenirs, art works, durian and cacao-based products,  handicrafts, bags, slippers and rags.

Aside from staging it at the Gaisano  Mall, Tatak Panabo was also showcased by the city government in local and international trade fairs such as the National Food Fair and  the International Food Expo. (PIA 11/ Michael Uy/jmda)