ILOILO CITY (PIA) — Showcased were the crafts of various micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Western Visayas in the premier regional trade fair dubbed “Panubli-on 2024: The Power of Local Creativity” of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 6.
A total of 185 exhibitors from the provinces in Western Visayas joined the activity with 24 MSMEs coming from Aklan, 15 from Antique, 13 from Capiz, 28 exhibitors from Guimaras, 36 from Iloilo, 34 from Negros Occidental, and 35 different DTI-assisted associations.
Available products include a diverse range of food and non-food items such as fashion accessories, gifts, furnishings, decorative crafts, food products, and footwear.
In her message, during the kick-off activity on Nov. 13 at SM City Iloilo, DTI 6 Regional Director Rachel N. Nufable noted that Panubli-on continues to showcase the vibrance, as well as the passionate entrepreneurial journey of MSMEs.
“Since its establishment in 2003, Panubli-on represents the gold standard of quality, that is why our different provincial offices are very selective in bringing here the MSMEs who will showcase their products. This year, we are proud to present the six distinctive pavilions, which showcase the unique innovations and creative spirit of each province. These pavilions demonstrate our local communities [that] continue to evolve, staying true to their roots, yet looking at the future,” Nufable stated.
MSMEs who joined also expressed their positive response in the conduct of Panubli-on and other trade fairs initiated by the DTI.
Consolidator of the province of Antique and owner of Two M’s Pasalubong Center at Bantayan, San Jose Antique Jonelyn L. Medilo imparted her experience as she has been joining the Panubli-on for many years already.
“Duro-duro gid nga salamat sa DTI hay natugruan kami kang paagi nga mashowcase ang amon product kay bahul nga bulig dya sa kada MSME kag kada producer kang Antique,” said Medilo.
(Many thanks to DTI for giving us an opportunity to showcase our products as this is a big help to every MSME and producer of Antique.)
“Dya kami ka dya sa SM para i-showcase ang amon mga product, iba-iba nga mga produkto nga naghalin sa bahin kang Antique from north to south. Ginapabugal gid namon nga maka showcase kami ka dya kay tungod dya kami nakabuol ka bahul nga buyers,” she added, further inviting the mall goers to support their local products.
(We are here at SM to showcase our different products from the northern to southern parts of Antique. We are proud to showcase these because this is where we were able to gain huge buyers.)
Meanwhile, SJO4 Ernie Olendo, Chief and Development Welfare Officer of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology – Roxas City Jail, who participated as part of the MSME in Capiz, carries the crafts of the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) of BJMP Roxas City Jail- Male Dormitory.
“Si Panubli-on nakabulig gid sing dako sa amon, sa MSMEs sang BJMP Roxas City Jail-Male Dormitory, paagi sa aton mga trade fairs because ma-cater niya ang amon nga mga products locally and even there are national trade fairs,” shared Olendo.
(Panubli-on greatly helps our MSMEs from the BJMP Roxas City Jail- Male dormitory, through the trade fairs, because they cater our products locally and even there are national trade fairs.)
“Ang obra sang aton mga PDLs is one way makit-an sang public, nga indi lang ang aton PDLs ara sa sulod sang presohan kundi nagahatag man sa ila sang livelihood program, not only for them, but also for their family. Hoping that in the following years si Panubli-on ara gihapon magsupport,” Olendo added.
(This is one way that the works of PDLs will be seen by the public, that not only PDLs are just inside the jail but they were also given a livelihood program, not only for them but also for their family. Hoping that in the following years, Panubli-on will still be there to support.)
Aside from the trade fair, other highlights of the Panubli-on include a Food Crawl celebrating Iloilo’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and a Grand Fashion Show featuring distinctive collections by local MSMEs. The event runs from Nov. 13 to 17, 2024.
To note, Panubli-on has been celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation since 2003. This further aims to boost the local economy, highlight local artistry, and empower MSMEs. (AAL/AGP/PIA 6)
