GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/28 Sept) – The local government of nearby Koronadal City has declared the entire October as business month in celebration of the city’s 11th cityhood anniversary on Oct. 8.
Koronadal Mayor Peter Miguel said they have set aside the month of October to celebrate the city’s gains as an emerging agro-industrial center and explore opportunities that will help further develop the area’s trade and investment prospects.
Dubbed the 1st Negosyo Festival, he said the activity will take on the latest trends and development strategies on making business and helping local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to further flourish.
The business month celebration will focus on the theme “Unity in business towards globalization.”
Among the highlights of the month-long celebration, which will start on Oct. 1, are the “grand sale” that will be participated in by local shopping malls and department stores, trade fair and the “OctoBeer” festival, the mayor said.
“I think everyone can do business if there’s an opportunity to do it. So the local government is taking the lead role in creating these opportunities,” the mayor said in a report from the South Cotabato Provincial Information Office.
Through the “grand sale,” which is now on its second year, Miguel said they are providing local consumers the opportunity to buy products at lower costs and also help expand the markets and income prospects of the participating establishments.
Miguel said a “palengke festival” and One Town, One Product or OTOP showcase will also be launched for various products from the area.
He said the city government has lined up “entrepreneurial skills training with community service” to help upgrade the skills and capabilities of the local labor force.
Miguel said the skills training, which is in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, will focus on banana chips making, motorcycle repair servicing, reflexology, defensive driving with troubleshooting, audio-video technician course, soap making, and, balloon arrangement.
He said the other activities are the fun run, dog show, jobs fair and bike race. The upcoming activities are backed by the Koronadal City Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Hotels, Restaurant and Resorts Owners. (Allen V. Estabillo / MindaNews)
