ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — A trade fair that showcases the products of this city’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) opened here Tuesday.
The “Buy Angeles Trade Fair”, now on its second year, was organized by the Angeles City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (ACEDIPO), in partnership with the provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Vice Mayor Bryan Matthew Nepomuceno, ACEDIPO head Bernadette Galinato, and DTI-Pampanga Director Elenita Ordonio led the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, signaling the formal opening of the local trade fair.
Galinato said the activity serves as the local government’s support to city-based entrepreneurs to boost the promotion of Angeleño-made products.
She said the city has been tapping MSMEs and enjoining them in various national and regional business expositions to widen the scope of their market.
A total of 24 stalls were installed at the City Hall main lobby for the trade fair, which runs until June 29.
The four-day fair showcases Angeleño-made organic and processed food, pastries and delicacies, home-made beverages and condiments, arts and craft, home decors, cosmetics, fashion accessories and jewelry, and other health and wellness products.
Ordonio, for her part, congratulated the city government, citing the success of the first Buy Angeles Trade Fair in 2017.
“The staging of the second year of this trade fair goes to show that the local government is successful in its first attempt in 2017. We hope that the city will continue with this program, which is a viable venue to showcase the best of Angeles City,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ordonio also reminded the participating MSMEs to accomplish and have for themselves a license to operate from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines has also placed a help desk at the trade fair to extend information on the agency’s patent services, copyright registration, and trademark services.
Nepomuceno, meanwhile, cited the vital role of MSMEs in the local economy, urging them to remain persistent with their businesses and assuring them that the city, through the ACEDIPO, will always support the sector.
“It only takes one successful business to change one’s life forever. Keep on being determined, time will come, you will all succeed. The city government is always here to help you in ways possible,” the vice mayor said.
Nepomuceno also asked DTI-Pampanga to hold a mentoring session at the city’s legislative building regarding ways MSMEs could market their products.
To date, Angeles City has two DTI Negosyo Centers — one in Robinsons Place Angeles and the other at the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MACCI) Building.
The city will soon have its own permanent outlet for Angeles City-made products and souvenirs with the “One Town, One Product” (OTOP) Store to be situated at the city’s heritage district. (Ric Sapnu/PNA)
