by JMD Abangan

TAGUM CITY (28 June) -- Participating vendors to the first Tyangge sa Kapitolyo are looking forward to the annual holding of such a marketplace as part of the Araw ng Davao del Norte celebration.

They have appreciated the benefits they get from the week-long staging which they say is an opportunity for small-time entrepreneurs to promote their products.

Gloria Excelsa S. Pamugas, chair of the Tyangge sa Kapitolyo Committee said the initial staging of the marketplace at the Provincial Capitol compound had gathered 27 cooperators in micro-business.

Most of them are into food, delicacy, dry goods and agri-product businesses which, Pamugas said started their with a start-up capital of about P10,000.

"What we're selling here are affordable products which have clicked in the local market," Pamugas said.

Due to the short-period of time in organizing the Tyangge sa Kapitolyo, organizers were able to gather only the Tagum City vendors who were doing business most of the time, along the Tagum City Trade Center.

"Dako kaayo ni siya ug gikatabang sa amoa kay madungagan ang among kita. Maayo unta kada tuig na kini aron usab maila ang among produkto. (This has helped a lot because our income has been increased. It would be good to have this every year to promote our products.)," Maria Lucila Belaguas, proprietor of Ilo-Ilo Express said in an interview.

Ilo-ilo Express is selling of various delicacies and is also taking short orders.

Meanwhile Lotis Monio of Pepe's Manjo wanted to take part in activities which would open wider market for her business like the Tyangge sa Kapitolyo. "Aron usab nga daghang makaila sa among produckto, madungagan usab ang among kita, (So some would get to know our product and our income would increase.)," she said.

Pepe's Manjo sells hotcake made more delicious with either ube, mongo, cheese or hotdogs place inside it.

Rolenda Moreno, owner of Choosy Jigs Ice Cream had the same wish for the Tyangge sa Kapitolyo. Moreso, she looked at the event as an opportunity to help students who were looking for a means to sustain their studies.

"Gawas nga mailhan ang akong produkto, nakahatag pa ko ug trabaho alang sa estudyante, (Other than promoting our product, I have provided jobs to a student)," she said.

Aside from her son who watches the Choosy Jigs Ice Cream stall, Moreno has also hired a working student to assist in selling her home-made ice cream.

Open to the public, the Tyangge sa Kapitolyo has started since Monday up to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Other than getting a taste of affordable locally-made food products, buyers at the Tyangge will be entertained with performances from various musical and cultural groups of Davao del Norte.