In all fairness, this one fair stands out from the yearly fare of Sandugo activities.
Not for its classy venues - in posh hotels and function rooms in the past years and lately, at the cool corridors of the Island City Mall - nor for its quality-conscious organizers. It's the feel, the pride of place one gets from the fair that makes it simply the fairest of them all.

Anyone who goes to the annual DTI Product Showcase can't help but marvel at the ingenuity of our people and appreciate the wealth of our resources. Last year, I was hopping from one booth to another in awe at the woven wonders from raffia, nito or sinamay, the handcrafted products, classy fashion accessories, elegant furniture from indigenous materials, eye-catching home décor and delectable delicacies and food products.

With the theme, "Pride of the Islands, Beyond Boundaries," this year's showcase promises a bigger fair, a better fare and the best products not only from this turtle-shaped island but also from the neighboring islands in the Visayas.

"Every year, the showcase attracts not only local buyers but other investors and exporters as well. We then thought it would be better to invite the other islands to come here and display their products, too," DTI Provincial Director Elena Arbon explained. She bared that some 62 exhibitors had already signed up, including those from the provinces of Cebu, Oriental Negros, Siquijor and from Region 8.

The showcase will also feature a Bohol Business Opportunities Xchange booth that will be manned by the Bohol Investment Promotion Center, the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the DTI.

Business proposal/studies and investment promo collaterals will be made available at the ICBM booth on July 20-23. There's also an Economic Forum on the 22nd at the Metro Centre Hotel to be graced by DTI Secretary Peter Favila.

For fostering pride of place and opening opportunities, indeed, the Sandugo Product Showcase is a fair like no other.