‘Tienda ni Gob’ shows Ilocos Norte products

LAOAG CITY -- The provincial government of Ilocos Norte held “Tienda ni Gob” to exhibit local products and livelihood of the province as part of the 199th year foundation anniversary celebration Monday.

               Provincial officials, led by Gov. Imee R. Marcos, initiated the event’s ribbon cutting ceremony here at the “Dap-ayan,” food court area.  After which, ‘junior mayors” from the 21 municipalities and two cities of the province presented their respective booths and products to the governor and public.

For 50-year-old Helen Agullana, a three-time participant from Pagudpud, “Tienda ni Gob is a big help to small-business entrepreneurs like me, especially to those who don’t have stable, everyday jobs.” Agullana said both locals and tourists purchased the booth’s shell crafts and other souvenir products throughout the day.

Among the booths prepared and presented, municipality of Banna won “best booth” as decided by three judges, June Pugat, an Ilocano fashion designer, Luvee Aquino-Calventas and Leslie Rivera, both college instructors from Mariano Marcos State University.

Banna highlighted their blend of rice coffee, otap, camote chips, and “suka” or vinegar. Following in the “best booth” award were the municipalities of Bangui and Badoc, respectively. -- Ma. Christian A. Ramos