By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—Driftwood curtains, hydrophonics, fresh and organic upland and lowland vegetables and a wide selection of abel handwoven cloth, and quality processed food products and handicrafts shine at the ‘Tiendaan ni Gob’agro-trade fair which opened on February 8 at the Dap-ayan Center, this city.
Produced by micro, small and medium entrepreneurs from the 21 municipalities and two cities here, this year’s agro-trade in time for the 198th foundation anniversary of Ilocos Norte on February 2 continue to attract local buyers and visitors who are curious about the latest product craze in the province.
“There are new products that we saw such as the display of Nueva Era and Dumalneg towns. Talaga namang rumarampa ang ating mga IP (Indigenous Peoples),” Ilocos Norte Governor Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos said as she toured around and bought some products display at the booth exhibits representing the best and unique products of each town and city here.
At the Pinili booth, a selection of the Ilokano handwoven cloth unique for its intricate designs made by the 92-year-old Magdalena Gamayo, known as the “Grandmother of Abel Iloko”is also a big hit among buyers. In 2012, President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III recognized Ms. Gamayo, earning her the title as a Filipino master weaver or the so-called “Gawad ng Manlilikha ng Bayan Award (GAMABA) in textile weaving.
According to Ms. Marcos, the design and packaging has also improved which indicates that SMEs are now open to embrace innovation and boost their competitiveness.
While local products try to upgrade to international market standards, Ms. Marcos however lamented that there are some instances when the price is too high or too low.
“Kinakailangan yata na ilagay natin ang tunay nabookkeeping cost hindi ‘yung Ilokano style cost na basta may cash na mapaikot ay p’wede na,”she added.
The five-day agro-trade fair is meant to promote new products of the province and for customers to discover interesting products in the region.
Backed by the provincial government and other concerned government agencies here, SMEs based in the province continue to improve their products and innovativeness by participating in various local, national and international trade expos where they can share what they have and learn from the success of others.