The Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region (DTI-Davao) is launching its first-ever Madayaw! The Davao Region Trade Fair at Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City from December 4 to 7, 2025. This strategic initiative aims to showcase the region's most competitive homegrown products to the Manila market and attract new investors.
Spotlight on Davao's SMEs and Products
Arriel Nengasca, Chief of the DTI-Davao Business Development and Promotions, announced that the four-day event will gather 27 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These businesses will present a diverse range of goods, highlighting Davao's agricultural strength. The product lineup includes renowned cacao, coffee, and coconut-based items, as well as non-food products such as textiles, woven pieces, and artisanal handicrafts.
The agency has set an ambitious target of P5 million in direct sales from the event. Beyond immediate revenue, the fair is designed to be a crucial meeting point for foreign and institutional buyers looking for new and reliable supply sources. Nengasca emphasized that the goal is to increase market visibility in the National Capital Region and, more importantly, to open up export pathways for local SMEs, connecting them to stable, higher-value markets.
Leveraging Davao's Agricultural Powerhouse
The growing prominence of Davao Region in national trade fairs is no accident. It is built upon a solid agricultural foundation. The area is blessed with rich volcanic soil, consistent rainfall, and extensive highland farms, making it one of the Philippines' top producers of cacao, premium coffee, bananas, and coconuts.
The coffee sector, particularly in Davao City, Davao del Sur, and the BuDa and Mount Apo highlands, has earned national acclaim. The unique climate and elevation create perfect conditions for growing Arabica and Robusta varieties that frequently win national quality competitions, cementing Davao's status as an emerging coffee capital.
Similarly, Davao's cacao dominates the national supply and is the key ingredient for award-winning craft chocolate brands that have gained recognition on the global stage. This natural abundance allows local SMEs to create world-class products, positioning the region as a prime destination for investors interested in raw materials, specialty exports, and sustainable agribusiness.
An Annual Platform for Growth
Due to the significant interest generated, Nengasca confirmed that the Madayaw! The Trade Fair is planned to become an annual event. Future editions are expected to be larger, occupying bigger venues and featuring an even wider array of products from across the Davao Region.
The launch will be marked by an opening program led by DTI officials and representatives from the Davao City Government. The fair will also be enlivened by a fashion show, live chocolate-making demonstrations, and curated product presentations aimed at engaging both consumers and potential investors.
By leveraging its agricultural strengths and growing creative sector, DTI-Davao hopes the event will capture the attention of the Manila market and global buyers, presenting the region not just as a production hub, but as a promising long-term investment destination.
