TABUK CITY, Kalinga– Exhibitors in the last Christmas bonanza raked in a whooping sales of P4,537,887 which is 307 percent higher than last year’s P1,477,144 or an increase of P3.06M.
Aurora Sanet of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office reported the sector on furniture had the highest sales with P2,442,815 followed by processed foods – P726, 048; handicrafts – P718, 942; other sectors – P368,773 and ornamentals –P281,309.
Sixty eight DTI-assisted micro-entrepreneurs participated in the annual bonanza conducted on December 6-20 that added a festive mood to the spirit of the season.
Regina Madio, President of the Chamber of Kalinga Producers, Inc. (CKAPI), organizer of the bonanza, said the event became part of the traditional celebration featuring local products from the array of woven ethnic fashion apparel, furniture, processed foods, gifts and souvenirs, ornamental plants and home decors.
Madio attributed the high sales performance to the improving peace and order condition in the province allowing the Christmas bonanza to open until 9:00 PM.
Organizers of the fair also cited the growing market and increasing product innovation of exhibitors through the assistance of the DTI.
The CKAPI members who are mostly mothers included in their annual tradition a ‘goodwill project’ of distributing free slippers and school supplies to indigent school children using part of the bonanza proceeds.** JDP/LL-PIA CAR, Kalinga
