Ilocos Norte trade fair generates P2.5M in sales for homegrown MSMEs

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – A total of 86 homegrown micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) generated about  P2.5 million in cash and booked sales during the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Ilocos Norte-led 28th Partuat ti Kailukuan (Creations of the Ilokanos) Trade Fair in Aurora Park, Laoag City on Dec. 11 to 15.

The trade fair, in partnership with 21 local government units (LGUs) across the province, showcased a wide array of Ilokano products. Highlights included inabel (handwoven textiles), bamboo baskets and bags, coconut carvings and utensils, locally produced wine, traditional Ilokano cuisine, souvenirs, and fresh produce.

DTI Ilocos Norte’s Officer-in-Charge Provincial Director Ameliza Galvez said that the trade fair aims to not only give markets to small businesses to sell their products but also to promote the culture of the province, as some of the products sold were traditional and unique to the province.

“This long-time running fair in the province is a manifestation of our unified support for our local entrepreneurs. It is through trade fairs that the products of these MSMEs are to be showcased and be known to the buying public. More importantly, it is a platform where these MSME’s develop markets for their products,” Galvez said.

One of the highlights of this year’s trade fair is the Search for the Best Dressed Booth.

Pagudpud town’s booth won first place, followed by Banna, Laoag City, Dingras, and San Nicolas.

The DTI also conducted a workshop on bamboo craft making on Dec. 13 and mini cake frosting on Dec. 14.

Angeline Banaag, owner of Artritos, a handmade jewelry brand, said that the fair gave them a platform to expand their clientele as well as to showcase their artistry to the Ilokano community.

“We are proud to have collaborations with our local inabel weavers here in Ilocos Norte, like the towns of Pinili, Sarrat, and especially Paoay. We are open for local weavers because we also want to promote them through our products. That is also great in this trade fair because, through it, the public can support so many local entrepreneurs,” she said.

She added that she has been a long-time exhibitor at DTI trade fairs, and this has helped her business grow.

“I have been working with DTI from the beginning of my journey as an entrepreneur. We used to only produce about 10 pieces of jewelry, but when I started to join these DTI trade fairs and their other programs, our business grew until such time that now we have our own production team,” Banaag added.

Precious Jamorabon, from LGU-Burgos’ exhibit, meanwhile said that their booth features various agriculture products sourced from their local farmers.

“When it comes to Burgos, we are showcasing our agricultural products, including our kangkong chips, longganisa, and peanut butter. All of our products are proudly from our agriculture products,” Jamorabon said.

By providing MSMEs with opportunities to showcase their unique products, develop markets, and expand their reach, the trade fair reinforces the vital role of collaboration between government agencies, local government units, and the entrepreneurial community in fostering inclusive development.(AMB/CCMT/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)

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