THE MINDANAO Indigenous Peoples Trade Expo (MIPTEX) 2026 will bring together entrepreneurs, artisans, and organizers at the Poblacion Market Central from Oct. 26 to 30 to showcase IP enterprises and economic opportunities.
The five-day expo will help IP enterprises by strengthening their businesses, expanding their markets, and connecting with buyers and government agencies.
Learning sessions are added to focus on financial literacy, digital marketing, business registration, wealth management, and the protection of Indigenous knowledge and intellectual property.
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples XI regional director Atty. Geroncio Aguio said the agency is now focused on the IP wealth management program to enhance the community’s capacity to manage resources within their ancestral domain.
Lordilie Enjambre, head of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Area Management Office for Northern Mindanao, said the IPs have been left behind when it comes to development programs for many years.
“We make it a point that there is this flagship component wherein we can massively and strongly promote our indigenous products, enterprises, livelihoods, and projects also to ensure that we will be able to, in a way, impact and promote the welfare of our IP brothers and sisters across Mindanao,” Enjambre said during Wednesday’s Habi at Kape forum on Oct. 7.
Around 50 exhibitors will offer a wide range of IP products namely handwoven textiles, traditional apparel, handicrafts, food, and others that all reflect Mindanao’s rich cultural heritage.
More than just a marketplace, MIPTEX will host a live weaving demonstration, showcasing the traditional food “Nilotlot”, the “Dibuho” IP youth painting showdown, and the “Hulagway” fashion show.
