Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso yesterday opened the city to the entry, display and sale of products from Mindanao, especially the Bangsamoro Region, as he engaged the Mindanao Development Authority in the staging of the MinDA Tienda sa Manila.
During our 2-hour extensive discussions in the presence of Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna and his chief of staff, former Undersecretary Cesar Chavez, Mayor Isko, as he is popularly known, agreed to the MinDA Tienda event set Oct. 23 to 25 in the Mehan Garden right beside the Manila City Hall.
The 3-day event will feature products from Mindanao, including fruits, sea and marine products, processed fish and bottled Spanish sardines, vegetables, Organic Rice, handwoven fabric from the Bangsamoro Region, including live high value fish, such as Lapulapu.
Mayor Isko gave special interest in the participation of the Bangsamoro Region in the MinDA Tienda sa Manila saying that the promotion of goods from the Autonomous Region could contribute to the improvement of its economy and strengthen the gains of peace.
(Recently, ij a display of his deep concern for the Bangsamoro, Mayor Isko announced the establishment of an Islamic cemetery in Manila saying that the Muslims of the city have long been denied of a burial place for their loved ones.)
In a message I shared with the media during an ambush interview prior to our lengthy discussions on the collaboration between MinDA and the City of Manila, I emphasized that Mindanao’s economic recovery would be boosted by the opportunity provided by Mayor Domagoso for farmers and fishermen from the South to have access to the huge Manila market.
I said that the support of the City of Manila to Mindanao’s farmers and fishermen would create income earning and job opportunities and help the region recover from the adverse effects of COVID 19 to the economy.
During the conversation, Mayor Isko suggested that during the three nights of the MinDA Tienda cultural presentations and performances by select bands from Mindanao should be staged to give Manileños a glimpse of the culture of the South.
MinDA will coordinate with the different Local Government Units in Mindanao so that the MinDA Tienda in Manila will truly display the richness of Mindanao, both in products and culture.
#KungGustoMaramingParaan!
#MgaPangarapNgAnakLupa!
#mindatiendagoestomanila!
#letswalkanextrakilometer!
(Photos of today’s engagement with Mayor Isko Moreno were taken by Argie Legarto, Office of the Chairman, Mindanao Development Authority.)
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