For four days, two farmers’ associations from Manabo, Abra introduced their eggs and peanut products to new customers at the Waray Festival 2026 Trade Fair, using the event to test market demand and gather feedback from buyers.
The Ban-naang Farmers Association and the Maliksi Farmers Association, both assisted by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in the Cordillera Administrative Region, joined 12 other exhibitors at the Manabo Municipal Hall from Feb. 9 to 12.
The Maliksi Farmers Association displayed fresh eggs, while the Ban-naang Farmers Association offered processed peanut products including peanut butter, peanut polvoron, adobo peanuts and spicy peanuts developed through training and local initiative.
Marcelina Balagan, president of the Maliksi Farmers Association, said the trade fair allowed them to observe consumer preferences and assess pricing strategies.
“Babaen daytoy a trade fair ket nakita mi nga daytoy itlog tayo ket tangtangkiliken ti kailyan tayo nga taga-Manabo ken tagasabali pay nga munisipyo. Ket agyaman kami ta adda ti SAAD nga mangtultulong kanyami,” said Balagan.
(Through this trade fair, we saw that our eggs are being patronized by the Manabo residents and neighboring municipalities. We are grateful to SAAD who is continually helping us).
Meanwhile, Marcelino Avellano, president of the Ban-naang Farmers Association, said offering free taste samples helped attract buyers.
“Masaya po kami na nabigyan kami ng pagkakataong maglako ng peanut products namin. Nasubukan po naming magpa-free taste at marami pong bumili,” said Avellano.
(We are happy that we were given the opportunity to sell our peanut products. We were able to offer free taste samples, and many people bought them.)
The four-day event resulted in modest and encouraging sales for both groups. By the end of the activity, Ban-naang recorded Php5,520 in earnings, while Maliksi generated Php9,110.
The Waray Festival, an annual celebration highlighting Manabo’s glutinous rice and other local products, drew farmer groups and micro-entrepreneurs from the municipality and nearby towns.
Agriculture officials said participation in local trade events provides farmer associations with opportunities to expand market reach, assess consumer demand and refine product presentation. ###
