COURTESY: CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — August is going to be an exciting month for food enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike as the Food Processors Association of Northern Mindanao (FOPANORMIN) gears up to host the much-anticipated Tinagboan Festival 2024. Set to take place from August 7 to 10 at the Limketkai Rotunda, this vibrant festival is a testament to the region’s thriving food processing industry. Anchored on the theme, “Unlocking the Potential: Food Processors and the Future of Functional Ingredients,” the event promises a delightful blend of tradition and innovation.
From the moment you step into the festival, you’ll be greeted by a colorful trade fair, insightful seminars, and engaging training sessions. Let’s dive into the details and get a taste of what’s to come!
The Tinagboan Festival 2024 will kick off with a grand opening ceremony featuring the esteemed Dr. Florentino Tesoro. Known for his pivotal role in the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Dr. Tesoro's opening remarks will set an inspiring tone for the entire event. His expertise in helping MSMEs adopt new technologies to enhance efficiency and competitiveness is sure to resonate with the audience.
As the festival unfolds, visitors can look forward to a trade fair that showcases an impressive array of products from FOPANORMIN members, local food processors, entrepreneurs, and Negosyo Centers. This is not just a marketplace, but a celebration of the region’s culinary creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
On August 8, former tourism secretary Dr. Mina Gabor will take the stage as the guest speaker, sharing her invaluable insights on the synergy between food and tourism. Dr. Gabor’s perspective on promoting agro-tourism is particularly timely, as it highlights the potential for food processors to tap into the tourism industry. Her talk is expected to draw a diverse crowd of food enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and tourism professionals eager to explore new avenues for growth.
The festival’s seminars and training sessions, scheduled for August 9 and 10, delve into cutting-edge topics such as functional ingredients, artificial intelligence in the food and beverage industry, and food safety. These sessions are designed to equip MSMEs with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.
Functional ingredients are at the forefront of modern food processing, and the Tinagboan Festival 2024 is the perfect platform to explore their potential. Seminars dedicated to this topic will offer a deep dive into how these ingredients can enhance the nutritional value, flavor, and overall appeal of food products. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations in this exciting field.
Moreover, the festival will include a site tour at the Northern Mindanao Food Innovation Center. This tour is a unique opportunity for food processors and entrepreneurs to see firsthand the advanced equipment and services available to support their ventures. It’s a tangible demonstration of how technology and innovation are driving the industry forward.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries worldwide, and the food and beverage sector is no exception. The seminars on AI in the food industry will shed light on how this technology can be leveraged to improve production processes, enhance quality control, and create personalized consumer experiences. For MSMEs, understanding and adopting AI could be a game-changer, enabling them to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
The grand finale of the Tinagboan Festival 2024 is the much-anticipated Lechon Festival on August 10. This mouthwatering event will feature lechon sold at P599 per kilo by the Association of Cagayan Lechoneros, complete with special freebies. It’s a celebration of one of the region’s most beloved culinary traditions, promising to be a feast for the senses.
But the Lechon Festival is more than just a culinary delight. It’s a reflection of the community’s commitment to supporting local businesses. Councilor George Goking, chairperson of the Committees on Trade & Commerce and Ways & Means, emphasized the importance of supporting MSMEs by purchasing products from the trade fair without requesting discounts. His call to action is a reminder of the vital role that local businesses play in the community's economic health.
The Tinagboan Festival 2024 is organized in collaboration with the local government of Cagayan de Oro, Oro Trade and Investments Promotions Center (TIPC), Department of Agriculture-10, Department of Tourism-10, Department of Science and Technology-10, Mindanao Development Authority, and Limketkai Sons Inc. This collaborative effort underscores the shared commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable food processing industry.
Oro TIPC chief Jun Asuncion highlighted the significance of this partnership, noting that the Cagayan de Oro city government is fully behind FOPANORMIN. With 98 percent of the city’s over 31,000 registered businesses being MSMEs, supporting these enterprises is crucial for economic growth and resilience.
The Tinagboan Festival 2024 is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of innovation, community, and the rich culinary heritage of Northern Mindanao. From the grand opening ceremony to the insightful seminars, the vibrant trade fair, and the delectable Lechon Festival, every aspect of the event is designed to inspire and empower food processors and entrepreneurs.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in the flavors, traditions, and innovations of the Tinagboan Festival 2024. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
