SAN FERNANDO CITY, LA UNION – Amidst the challenges brought about by the pandemic COVID-19, the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of the Ilocos Region continue to rise against the odds and joined the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 1’s Rimat ti Amianan Virtual Trade Expo 2020. Local products from 42 home-grown MSMEs were showcased and are being sold in the online trade fair that will run from 9-18 November 2020.
The Rimat ti Amianan (Treasures of the North) Trade Fair is an annual major activity of DTI that aims to promote the products of entrepreneurs from the region by giving them access to market opportunities.
Now in its 19th year, DTI pushed through with the conduct of the trade fair giving it a new twist to cope with the new normal. DTI Regional Operations Group Heads, Usec. Blesila A. Lantayona and Asec. Demphna Du-Naga were in attendance during the virtual opening program.
The virtual trade fair highlighted the products that have undergone product development through the One Town One Product Next Gen (ONG) program of DTI. The ONG is a priority stimulus program for MSMEs as the government’s customized intervention to drive inclusive local economic growth.
In her message, Regional Director Grace Falgui-Baluyan admired the resiliency and determination of the MSMEs. “The hardworking nature of Ilocano and Pangasinense MSMEs cannot be easily ripped-off by COVID-19. Madadapa man, pero babangon pa rin – mas malakas, mas matatag!” she added.
The 10-day trade expo is featuring products such as food and novelty items, wearables, plants, woodcrafts, furniture, and other genuine local products of MSMES from the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. Gifts and holiday decors are also available in time for the Holiday Season. Shoppers may log in as guest through this link: http://www.virtualtradeexpoph.com/♦
Date of Release: 11 November 2020