BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – – The best of Cordillera products are being showcased at the SM City Baguio Atrium with the Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera (DTI – CAR) bringing in the IMPAKABSAT Panagbenga Edition.
The IMPAKABSAT opened last Friday (January 10) with a simple program and a ceremonial beating of gongs by DTI – CAR OIC Regional Director Juliet Lucas with the DTI provincial directors, Department of Tourism Regional Director Jovita Ganongan, Pastor Mario Bildad of the Office of Congressman Mark Go, Doy Tabilog of the Office of Mayor Benjamin Magalong and SM City Baguio Assistant Mall Manager Michael Jason Peña.
On February 10 to16, the IMPAKABSAT features products of Abra and Mountain Province such as food delicacies, wine and coffee, handwoven fabrics, clothes and accessories; bamboo and wood carving products that include furniture, kitchen wares, house decors, among others.
From February 17 to 23, featured are the products of Apayao, Benguet and Baguio City. Then on February 24 to March 3, IMPAKABSAT will showcase the products of Ifugao and Kalinga.
The IMPAKABSAT will also feature the Kalinga Traditional “Mambabatok” (tattoo artists) from February 10 – 16 and on February 24 – March 3.
Go, in his keynote message read by Bildan, outlined the importance of trade fairs like the IMPAKABSAT in helping the region’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He lauded DTI for bringing it to coincide with Baguio City’s Flower Festival.
“This is truly symbolic as we all know, Panagbenga represents the season of blooming. While our Panagbenga Festival draws multitude of crowds from all over the country each year, Panagbenga can also certainly boost our local businesses’ chance of growth and prosperity,” Go said.
IMPAKABSAT is the regular regional trade fair of DTI – CAR, which is usually held in Alabang Festival Mall. IMPAKABSAT is an acronym of the provinces and city of Cordillera- Ifugao, Mountain Province, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, Benguet and Baguio City plus the Ilocano word “Kabsat” which means brother to signify unity. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR
