First Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Trade Expo opens at Poblacion Market Central

The first Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Trade Expo (MIPTEX 2026) opened on Oct. 26 at Poblacion Market Central in Davao City. According to SunStar, citing the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the event aims to promote Indigenous wealth management and sustainable economic opportunities.

The expo runs for five days, through Oct. 30. It is designed to connect Indigenous entrepreneurs, artisans and women-led enterprises with broader commercial markets, so that cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship can become sustainable sources of livelihood.

MinDA executive director and Undersecretary Janet M. Lopoz, speaking on behalf of MinDA chairperson Secretary Leo Magno, expressed the agency's solidarity with Indigenous communities across Mindanao. She said MinDA would continue its support through its flagship Strengthening Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao Program (STIP), with a focus on development that is culturally grounded and inclusive.

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Chairperson Nancy A. Catamco stressed the need to widen market access for Indigenous communities while keeping their cultural identity intact. "Our artistry and craftsmanship are not a commodity; it is our own identity," she said. Catamco also led participants in reciting the Pananagutan ng Salinlahi as a sign of shared commitment to Indigenous communities.

Partners from the private and development sectors pledged support for community-led economic development. CAMP Asia Country Director Buyoung Cho spoke on building on the strengths of local communities. Alsons Development President and CEO Miguel Rene A. Dominguez pledged continued private-sector support and offered Poblacion Market Central as a regular annual venue for the expo.

Among those at the launch were New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Catherine McIntosh, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Christopher Bahuet, Davao City Cacao Industry Development Association President Wit Holganza, BPI Foundation associate director Joy Reniva, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Davao Regional Director Romeo Castañaga and NCIP Region 10 Director Geroncio R. Aguio. Manaaki New Zealand alumni leaders also attended.

The expo is organised by MinDA, the NCIP, the New Zealand Embassy, the UNDP through its I-LEAD Project, the DTI, CAMP Asia and Alsons Development.