Muntinlupa city: A total of 100 exhibitors from Cagayan Valley will showcase their unique products in a regional trade fair to be held later this month in the National Capital Region (NCR).

According to Philippines News Agency, the event, dubbed "Padday na Lima," an Ybanag phrase for "hand-made," is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Region 2. The trade fair aims to promote Cagayan Valley's rich heritage and establish connections with institutional buyers.

"Now on its 19th installation, this year's trade fair will feature best known products as well as new and innovative products from Cagayan Valley," lawyer Michael Paggabao, DTI Region 2 acting assistant regional director, said in an online media conference on Wednesday. Paggabao noted that more than an event to market local products to a wider market, the trade fair is also a tribute to the region's abundant bounty and a testament to the skill, creativity, and perseverance of its people.

Following the success of last year's edition, which generated more than PHP9.8 million in sales, Zenaida Quinto, officer-in-charge of the Business Development Division of DTI Region 2, said they are targeting over PHP10 million in this year's fair. The fair will feature a wide array of food and non-food items. Quinto, who is also "Padday na Lima" project director, added that the fair will feature special pavilions highlighting Region 2 provinces and their finest products, key tourism destinations, and other potential investment projects.

Cagayan Valley's flagship projects on bamboo and coconut will also be featured to promote their uses, including as an alternative raw material for wood furniture. The trade fair, which has the theme "Hues of Heritage: Celebrating Cagayan Valley's Colors of Trade and Tradition," will take place at Festival Mall Alabang in Muntinlupa City on Sept. 19 to 25.