By Leilanie Adriano/Philippine News Agency
LAOAG CITY — At least 35 micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in Ilocos Norte and nearby provinces are exhibiting their best-selling products again at the Robinsons mall in San Nicolas town on April 8-14.
Inspired by government support, Juana Pancho, manufacturer of JF’s Boneless Bagoong in Cabungaan village of this city, said she is excited every time her products are on display at a mall and a lot of shoppers get curious of what is in store for them.
“I’m so happy for being part of the exhibit. It makes me feel awesome because in my years of business, it is only this time that we get to sell our products in a cool environment such as this,” said Pancho, as she recalled selling her bagoong (fish sauce) products only in public markets or in her home in Cabungaan.
Through the joint collaboration between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, the 65-year-old single mom and bagoong vendor is just among the beneficiaries of various government programs and services meant to level up their knowledge and skills to improve their products.
Aside from selling bagoong, Pancho also sells “sukang Iloko” (sugarcane vinegar) laced with hot chili or garlic including dried fish.
Now running for 12 years, the DTI-Ilocos Norte summer trade fair is partnering with the Ilocos Norte government and the MSMEs to further inspire local entrepreneurs to make quality products that are at par with their counterparts in Southeast Asia.
The products on display include sweet mangoes, dragon fruit, pastries, rice coffee, rice cracker, noodles, chichacorn, peanut butter, bagnet, longganisa, bagoong, wine, and other processed foods.
The non-food sector also includes inabel, binakol, buri crafts, wood crafts, souvenir items, and ornamental plants.
For this year, Edison Natividad, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) Office, said a cash prize will also be awarded to the chosen Best Dressed Booth for both food and non-food sector MSMEs.
Natividad assured that more programs and partnerships with various entities are lined up for the MSMEs development in the province to boost their income and exposure.
