As part of its continuing efforts to support local farmers and producers, the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) officially opened “Tabo ha EVSU: KADIWA Trade Fair 2026” to the public on Monday, February 23, at the university grounds.
The five-day trade fair serves as a platform for 18 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the region to market their consumable and non-consumable products, including fresh vegetables, root crops, sweets and delicacies, and handmade goods.
The event is organized in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Coconut Authority, and JCI Tacloban Kankabatok.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by University President Dr. Dennis C. de Paz, together with Dr. Danilo B. Pulma, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services; members of the University’s executive council; Prof. Rostum Clemente, Director for Extension Services; Celerina T. Bato, Regional Director of DTI; and Russelle C. Dondonilla-Bacuyan, President of JCI Tacloban Kankabatok, in collaboration with public and private partners.
In his message, Dr. de Paz emphasized that the trade fair opens doors of opportunity for local communities, especially small-scale producers.
“This ribbon-cutting today for our KADIWA Trade Fair symbolizes the opening of opportunities. Opportunities for our farmers, artisans, and local entrepreneurs to bring their products closer to consumers. Opportunities for our communities to access fresh, quality, and very affordable goods. This is an opportunity for institutions like EVSU to strengthen our role as active partners in nation-building,” Dr. de Paz explained.
Meanwhile, Bato underscored the importance of initiatives that promote sustainability and regional development.
“Know that the DTI remains steadfast in its support for initiatives that advance entrepreneurship, capacity-building, and sustainable economic development. May this milestone reinforce EVSU’s position as a leader in shaping the next generation of leaders and change-makers committed to a more climate-resilient and sustainable Eastern Visayas region,” Bato said.
In an interview, Armelita Ojeda, a producer of Garmel goods, shared that the trade fair provides significant exposure for their products while allowing them to participate rent-free.
“Usa gihap ini nga promotion, an imo produkto napro-promote, so usa hiya nga dako na promotion. Usa na ini han mga privilege ngan opportunity ha amon, nalibre kami han pwesto, nalibre kami hin promotion. Kay an tawag hini kay face-to-face promotion. Para talaga ini ha public,” Ojeda shared.
The trade fair will run until Friday, February 27, as part of the university’s 119th Founding Anniversary celebration and the 2026 Sports, Culture, and Arts Festival.
Article by Carl Anthony Dotingco