By Perla Lena/Philippine News Agency
ILOILO CITY — Various products of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), farmers’ associations, and other organizations assisted by government agencies displayed their products in the two-day livelihood fair at the Robinsons Place Jaro as part of the celebration of Labor Day here.
Fifty participants assisted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) enticed buyers with their products ranging from fresh farm products to processed foods, turmeric, ginger and cacao-based products, among others.
Bobby Trido of the Tubungan Municipal Agriculture’s Office, assisting the town’s Bayanihan Tipon Center (BTC), said they only brought with them a smaller volume because it is only a two-day exhibit.
The BTC, which is supported by the Department of Agriculture and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has around 35 farmer-members. It targets to assist farmers from the towns’ 16 upland villages.
“This is one opportunity where we can expose our products,” he said, adding they are already supplying products to selected buyers in two branches of Robinsons in Iloilo.
The municipality, aside from producing coconut, which is its One Town, One Product (OTOP), also produces root crops and vegetables.
DA also conducted a skills demonstration on mushroom production.
Meantime, DTI regional information officer David Israel Sinay said that aside from joining the exhibit through their MSMEs, they also facilitated the skills demonstration on dish gardening, skills demonstration on recycling and terracotta pots painting, and an entrepreneurship and livelihood forum.
DOLE Regional Director Engr. Cyril Ticao said that aside from the job fair there are also other services available such as the clinic and help desk, massage services, and career and employment forum.
“Today is dedicated to give honor to our workers to give thanks to our modern heroes who work tirelessly and selflessly for their families here in the country and abroad. That is why, today until tomorrow, we have prepared various activities such as the job fair, livelihood fair, career and employment coaching and many more to commemorate the Labor Day,” he said.
On May 2, there will be a “Kasambahay” forum where domestic helpers will be oriented on their rights and privileges as well as the latest wage order in the region.
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