Davao City — President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, March 17, graced the opening of the Organic and Natural Expo (ONE) Mindanao here.
Upon his arrival at the SMX Convention Center, President Duterte banged the gong to signal the formal opening of the said event and went around the area to check the exhibits.
President Duterte was accompanied by Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go, Senator Cynthia Villar, Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, and DA Regional Director Ricardo Oñate.
ONE Mindanao is said to highlight organic and natural food products and ingredients, as well as indigenous fibers and weaves from more than 200 food producers, processors and entrepreneurs from all over Mindanao.
Fruits and vegetables, local artisan chocolates, single-origin coffee, natural butter and dairy products, and marine and fishery products caught using sustainable methods were among the products promoted during the exposition.
There was also a special focus on the rich cultural heritage of the various tribes and indigenous peoples of Mindanao through the natural and traditional fibers and weaves coming from Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Maguindanao.
The said event serves as a prelude to the island-wide organic and natural expo for Visayas in 2019 and Luzon in 2020, designed to raise public awareness about the benefits and availability of natural and organic products in the market. (PND)
