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BOHOL, Philippines —About 85 exhibitors from all over the Visayas region participated in the 23rd Sandugo Regional Trade Fair and Expo at the Island City Mall, Tagbilaran City, Bohol bringing to the market the “green” products and services, emphasizing the province’s commitment to promote health and environment friendly industries.
Led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7), in cooperation with international organizations such as German Technical Cooperation (GIZ), and European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP), the four day exposition that opened on July 20 to 24 (2011) aims to promote the green value chain operation among Micro-small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region, said DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte.
“There is no doubt that the going into the ‘green lane’ is an uphill climb, coz its initially expensive to shift to a more responsible operation but it has to be emphasized, besides there is a huge market for these kinds of products and services, not only abroad but also locally,” Caberte said.
With the theme “Greening Business, Winning Markets” this year’s trade event showcases world class product lines for handicraft, processed food, fashion accessories, gifts, decors, housewares products in the Central Visayas region, including tourism destinations and facilities.
Several booths also showcased the wealth of local culture, heritage, natural wonders, that are available for tourists and visitors, such as the aggressive promotion of Siquijor as the “Healing Island”.
GIZ program manager Volker Steigerwald said that there is a need for MSMEs to take advantage of the green economy, as the market specifically in Europe is significantly growing.
“Consumers are now shifting their attention to demanding green products. For companies [big or small] –don’t look at climate change as a threat but also an opportunity,” Steigerwald said adding that it’s better to change the whole value chain into responsible-business operation in order to ride with the trend.
For her part, Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) president Marrietta Gasatan said that although there is a strong interest from the Bohol business community to embrace the “green” operation strategy, most players still need more help in terms of how to effectively implement and adopt the concept, in order to sustain the interest.
According to Gasatan, interest of traders is not a problem, but most traders still need more guidance and technical know-how on employing the “green” operation, as well as produce products that will fall into the “green-lane.”
Bohol Provincial Governor Edgar M. Chatto likewise committed to sustain the strength of Bohol in promoting responsible business, and strengthen its “green” advocacy across sectors.
In fact, the province is strongly positioned as the “Eco-Cultural Tourism” destination, following the declaration of the province as Eco-Cultural Zone Capital in the Philippines. - THE FREEMAN
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