By Leilanie Adriano/PNA
LAOAG CITY — About 42 homegrown entrepreneurs and several farmers’ groups in the province gathered at the Dap-ayan Center Friday for an 11-day trade fair showcasing the best products in the province.
Organized by the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, the “Tienda ni Gob” trade fair continues to attract local entrepreneurs and farmers’ associations to sell their produce in downtown Laoag.
In time for the opening of the Laoag Pamulinawen festival on Friday, the trade fair’s venue this year is more accessible to buyers as it is strategically located at the heart of the city proper or just across the Ilocos Norte Capitol building.
Aside from the usual processed food products, such as bagnet and longganisa, abel hand-woven cloth and wood furniture, products the province is known for, organized associations of farmers also displayed their unique farm produce and livestock.
Some micro, small and medium entrepreneurs, including online shops, also participated in the trade exhibit, which will culminate on February 11. The exhibit runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Fresh from mainland United States to promote her latest dragon fruit products, such as dragon fruit energy tea and coffee drinks, Edita Dacuycuy, president of the Ilocos Norte MSMEs, said Friday they are thankful to the Ilocos Norte government for coming up with a unique trade fair showcasing the various products and services of the Ilocanos.
“We are so blessed for the all-out support of our governor and other government agencies for they are one with us in this endeavor. Here is also our way to share our products we are so much proud of,” said Dacuycuy, a multi-awarded farmer-scientist-entrepreneur who pioneered the establishment of the first science and technology-based dragon fruit plantation in Barangay Paayas, Burgos, Ilocos Norte.
An online seller of Ella’s fashion and beauty shop also joined the trade fair this year to promote her products and gain more customers.
Other local producers of native Ilocano delicacies, such as dudol and tupig, also expressed joy as their products were bestsellers.
Adding more fun and excitement to the activity is the awarding of winners for the “best-dressed booth”, best in visual merchandise, and top 3 sellers to encourage better presentation of local products.
