ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — Local farmers, entrepreneurs, and community producers gained a stronger platform to showcase their products and connect with new markets through the Charter Day Tabo of Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), highlighting the importance of supporting homegrown enterprises.Held from July 6 to 10 at the University Lawn as part of MSU-IIT’s 58th Charter Day celebration, the weeklong trade fair featured a wide range of locally produced goods, including fresh agricultural harvests, processed food items, handcrafted products, and refreshing beverages from local businesses and partner agencies.
Beyond being a venue for selling products, the Charter Day Tabo strengthened partnerships between the university, government institutions, farmers, and entrepreneurs by providing opportunities for local producers to promote their brands, reach more customers, and expand their market presence.
The Iligan City Agriculture Office showcased fresh fruits, vegetables, and agri-fishery products through its One Barangay One Product (OBOP) initiative, which highlights unique products from various barangays across the city.Senior Administrative Assistant Agriculturist Ruby Tinangcuran said the activity provided an avenue to introduce the distinct products of each barangay and help more people discover locally made goods.
She added that the products displayed at the fair came directly from local farmers, giving them additional opportunities to promote and sell their produce while increasing public awareness of Iligan’s agricultural potential.For entrepreneur Aegan Mag-aso, owner of JanJen Smoothie, the trade fair became an opportunity to expand the business’s reach and attract more customers, particularly students looking for fresh and affordable refreshments.“Guaranteed gyud nga okay ang sales. Kasagaran sa among customers kay mga students nga ganahan og fresh ug healthy refreshments,” Mag-aso said.(The sales are really good. Most of our customers are students who prefer fresh and healthy refreshments.)Since the business mainly operates in night markets and does not have a permanent store, joining the Charter Day Tabo allowed JanJen Smoothie to introduce its products to a wider university community.
Students also welcomed the initiative, noting that the fair made fresh and locally produced goods more accessible and affordable.Bachelor of Secondary Education student Binedic P. Zosa said buying directly from local producers helped students save money while enjoying fresher products compared with those commonly available in public markets.“Mas barato gyud siya diri kaysa sa public market, ug fresh pa gyud. As a student, makatabang gyud siya kay makasave mi,” he said.(The products here are cheaper than those sold in the market, and they are also fresher. As a student, this really helps us save money.)Through the Charter Day Tabo, MSU-IIT continues to promote community collaboration and create opportunities that allow local farmers and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses while bringing locally made products closer to consumers.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and processed food products from Iligan City’s barangays are displayed at the City Agriculture Office booth during the MSU-IIT 58th Charter Day Tabo, providing local farmers direct access to students, employees, and visitors through the One Barangay One Product initiative. (Photo: SBZ/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
lLocally made woven bags, processed food, and other handcrafted products are showcased during the MSU-IIT Charter Day Tabo, highlighting local entrepreneurship and expanding market opportunities for community-based producers during the university’s 58th Charter Day celebration. (Photo: SBZ/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
