Mt Prov products showcased in DTI fair

By Julie C. Cobcobo

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The provincial Dept. of Trade and Industry opened the 31st Mountain Province Craft Exposition with a program held here at the Multipurpose Building last Dec. 11.

The week-long trade fair will end Dec. 17 themed, “Developing a more inclusive and prosperous Philippines.”

Local products of the province which were showcased for promotion and marketing purposes included woven products, processed foods like coffee, cacao, banana chips, vegetable cookies, jam, jellies, peanut butter, wine and many more.

These are still on display in booths at the Provincial Plaza.

Free business mentoring, micro-finance facilitation and “diskwento” caravan were also featured to cater to the public this holiday season.

The activity was participated in by the different micro small medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Mountain Province and attended by the members of the Provincial Medium Enterprises Development Council (PSMEDC), head of offices, government employees and the public.

DTI - Mountain Province OIC director Mabel F. Banggawan said that trade fairs are tools wherein products on display can be tested whether they are ready for market, ready for bigger production or products should be further developed.

She said the latest trade fair was that of the IMPAKABSAT, a regional fair wherein seven of the MSMEs from Mountain Province attended through the sponsorship of the provincial government.

She said exhibitors’ products were excellent, especially the  food sector.

Banana chips, marmalade, jams and jellies were already competitive in the market. Feedbacks on the loom woven items were also inspiring and turn out of this fairs proved the increasing development of business acumen.

In a message from Rep. Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr. delivered by his representative, Dr. Eric F. Fulangen, he said the trade fair will truly bring fine examples of our hand-made products and processed foods which will consequently showcase the industry and wisdom of our local entrepreneurs from the different municipalities across Mountain Province. Such, he said, continue to exemplify our indigenous living traditions and way of life.

“As we open this 31st Mountain Province Craft Exposition, I invite everyone to support and participate in this endeavor by not only visiting the booths and Negosyo Center, but more importantly, to buy our products because these are goods that we can be proud of,” Fulangen said.

Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. who was represented by Executive Assistant George B. Lumiwes reminded the MSMEs to remember the aim to enhance the value of our local and indigenous products and crafts. “We must also enhance the competitiveness of rural enterprises as we face the realities of modernization. Be immersed with the multidimensional designs and mastery of the arts and crafts that exemplify our rich culture and living traditions,” he said.

“Enjoy your visit and go home not only with your hearts full of joy, but also with your shopping bags full of Mountain Province home-made products,”Lacwasan said.

The DTI invited the public to visit and patronize local products in Mountain Province.