By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff Reporter
LAOAG CITY—Aurora Park in this city shone the brightest
on the evening of December 17, 2019 as it hosted 50 local exhibitors from
various parts of Region 1 in their traditional fashion wear while showcasing
the best quality food and non-food products they have at hand.
Running for 24 years now, the ‘Partuat ti Kailokuan’
Trade Fair continues to attract exhibitors and consumers to uplift each other
for inclusive growth.
For the Department of Trade and Industry which is on the
frontline of conducting the annual trade fair, acting provincial director
Rosario Quodala reiterated during the opening ceremony that micro, small and
medium enterprises play a vital role in local employment generation and
economic development.
As a flagship program of the national government through
the DTI’s MSME Development Plan 2017-2022, Ms. Quodala said the conduct of
trade fairs provides more opportunities to small entrepreneurs and small
businesses to have access to bigger markets.
“But before bringing them (MSMEs) into trade fairs and
exhibit, we do a lot more other things to prepare them penetrate bigger
markets,” said Ms. Quodala as she cited various skills training programs and
extensive product development activities are being conducted to empower local
entrepreneurs.
“Every year, we always look forward to joining the trade
fair to generate more sales and develop network with other local
entrepreneurs,” said Adel Branguelo of Novocijano, a manufacturer of quality
and fashionable footwear and other novelty items in Nueva Ecija.
As Laoag City is losing a number of businesses to its
neighboring town of San Nicolas due to traffic congestion and increasing real
estate property taxes, Laoag Mayor Michael Marcos-Keon said the Aurora Park
which is located at the heart of the city has been developed into a more
conducive space for business promotion and development.
“We are looking at various ways and means to attract more
investors in the city and to encourage local business growth. You have my full
support,” Mr. Marcos-Keon told the MSMEs who were all dressed up and excited to
introduce their latest products to consumers as well as to visiting tourists
here.
For her part, Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Cecilia
Araneta-Marcos hopes the MSMEs will continue to be inspired to develop more
innovative products for the Ilokanos to break free from poverty.
From December 17 to 22, 2019 genuine quality products of
the Ilokanos ranging from wood furniture, process food products, abel iluko,
ornamental plants, handicrafts and other novelty items were exhibited at the
park to the delight of buyers who were busy shopping this Yuletide season.
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