SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) – Small entrepreneurs here received another opportunity to market their locally-sourced products to the public through the “Likhang Antiqueño” Fair at Robinsons Place Antique from August 11-16.
The fair, organized in celebration of the Filipino culture and the “Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa,” intends to feature and promote proudly Antique-made products to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) continually bounce back from the effects of the pandemic.
Some 26 MSMEs participated in the event, including Patadyong Apparel, AL BIN Souvenirs, Francia Handicrafts, Two M’s Pasalubong, and Plaira’s Bakeshop among many others.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Antique Supervising Trade and Industry Development Specialist Lynna Joy Cardinal expressed her gratitude to all stakeholders for the continued promotion of the province’s products.
She also encouraged the consumers to support the campaign "Go Local, Buy Local" by patronizing home-grown products.
Ms. Rhoda Pon-an, representative from the Office of Antique Representative Antonio Agapito Legarda, Jr., said that the solon’s major development agenda is focused on economic development by
reinforcing the rights of MSMEs and providing assistance through relevant programs.
Pon-an added that Rep. Legarda will continue to institute programs and enable MSMEs to reach their optimal capacity, thereby making them effective drivers of economic recovery and growth not only in Antique but also in the country.
Event exhibitor and King’s Food Products owner Rosemarie Dela Rama of San Remigio town said that trade fairs have been helping endorse her products to larger and farther markets.
She also expressed her gratitude and appreciation to then-Antique Representative and now Sen. Loren Legarda for all the help, especially in finding means for small entrepreneurs like her to continue doing business.
The said fair is a collaboration among the Provincial Government of Antique, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, the DTI, the offices of Senator Loren Legarda and Antique Lone District Rep. Legarda, and KAMI Antique or the Kapatid Mentor Micro Entrepreneurs (KMME) Association of Mentors/Mentees in Antique. (AAL/SQ/SNA/BPS/PIA Antique)
