Bontoc, Mtn. Prov.– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Mountain Province opened the 31st Mountain Province Craft Exposition with a program held at the Multipurpose Building lobby last December 11, 2019.
The week-long trade fair will be held from December 11-17, 2019 with the theme, “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 the various 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), heads of offices, government employees and the public.
DTI – Mountain Province OIC- Provincial Director Mabel F. Banggawan said that trade fairs are tools wherein products on display can be tested whether they are ready for the market, ready for bigger production or should be further developed.
“Nothing thrills us more than having a trade fair where we can see the fruit of our efforts put on display for sale,” Banggawan said.
She recalled that the latest trade fair was the IMPAKABSAT, a regional fair wherein seven of the MSMEs from Mountain Province attended through the sponsorship of the Provincial Government. She said that the performances of the exhibitors were overwhelming, especially to the food processing sector– the banana chips, marmalade, jams and jellies were already competitive in the market. Feedbacks on the loom woven items were also inspiring and the turn-out of the fair proved the increasing development of the people’s business acumen.
“We do hope that next year we will be seeing more of our MSMEs attending the regional as well as the National Arts and Crafts and ultimately International fairs. These are indicators that micro- enterprises are growing, and are raring to go into wider markets,” Banggawan added.
Governor 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.” 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.** Julie C. Cobcobo
