Marawi IDPs to showcase products thru trade fair

MARAWI CITY, May 10 (PIA)--Approximately 20 internally displaced persons of this city are set to showcase their livelihood products through a trade fair as part of the Marawi Week of Peace celebration from May 17 to 23 this year.

Located inside and outside of the provincial gymnasium, the trade fair aims to give a venue to feature the local products of Maranao entrepreneurs and business owners and to provide them market exposure.

The entrepreneurs are beneficiaries of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Save the Children Philippines, Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Community and Family Services International, and Maranao People Development Center Inc.

"For this year, there are identified exhibitors na tinulungan ng iba't ibang [assisted by various] NGOs, humanitarian teams, government agencies," said DTI Bangon Marawi Project Manager Rosalinda Pineda in today's episode of Mashuara sa Radyo Pilipinas of DXSO.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will also provide free services such as haircut, manicure and pedicure, and registration for various training.

National Housing Authority will provide free architectural designs to homeowners who plan to repair or rebuild their houses inside the most affected area.

Meanwhile, Edwin Horca, Save the Children Philippines Team Leader, pointed out the need to highlight the fruits of labor of the IDPs. He also urged the residents to cooperate for a peaceful community.

"It is not enough na lahat ng mga agency ang gumagawa ng lahat, kung walang ginawa ang mga mamamayan in order to uplift and sustain themselves mahihirapan tayo. That is something we would like to promote that through peace it is not just provision of support but ang mga tao ay maappreciate and will nurture what is provided," he said.

[It is not enough that only all agencies do everything if the people do nothing in order to uplift and sustain themselves we will have a hard time. That is something we would like to promote that thru peace it is not just provision of support but the people will appreciate and will nurture what is provided.]

Other agencies and organizations who will set up information booths are 12th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, World Vision, Department of Education - Marawi, Duyog Marawi, Sangguniang Kabataan of Lanao del Sur, Integrated Provincial Health Office, Thuma, Provincial Cooperative Office, Plan International, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and Raheemah Peace Weavers Producer Cooperative. (LELA/PIA ICIC)