Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso attends the opening of the Mindanao Fruits and Food Festival at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Manila. (Photo from Manila PIO)
As part of Manila's expanded efforts to support farmers and businesses in Mindanao, the city government launched the Mindanao Fruits and Food Festival on Friday, Oct. 10, to showcase the region's diverse products and delicacies to residents of Metro Manila.
Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, together with Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM) Director Cristal Bagatsing, and former Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel "Manny" Piñol, led the opening ceremony of the event held at the Kartilya ng Katipunan.
Visitors can purchase affordable, high-quality products from Mindanaoan farmers to help them boost the regions's agriculture economy. These include the world-famous durian, as well as variety of fruits and vegetables, among others.
"Ang pagpunta ng mga magsasaka at negosyanteng Mindanaoan sa Maynila ay sumisimbolo ng pagkakaisa ng kultura, kabuhayan, at pagkakaibigan sa pagitan ng Maynila at Mindanao. Sa mga trader at farmer, hindi kami magsasawa na tanggapin kayo sa lungsod ng Maynila. Welcome po kayo lagi sa Maynila (The arrival of Mindanaoan farmers and businessmen in Manila symbolizes the unity of culture, economy, and friendship between Manila and Mindanao. To the traders and farmers, we will never tire of welcoming you to the city of Manila. You are always welcome in Manila)," Domagoso said.
The city government said the festival will run until Oct. 17.