Cutting of Ribbon by Hon. Vice Governor Lambert Galima and Hon. Vice Mayor Gabriel T. Marcelo.

The municipality of Alfonso Castañeda celebrated its 38th Founding Anniversary and Town Fiesta (KASIPEGAN Festival) on April 18-20, 2017 with the theme “Pagkilala sa Kontribusyon ng Kahapon, Pagtangkilik sa Kasalukuyang Panahon at Paglinang sa Bukas na Huhubugin ng Bagong Henerasyon” held at Alfonso Castañeda, Nueva Vizcaya.

The connotation and purpose of the festival is to show the innate and unending industriousness of the tribes of the municipality. The town of Alfonso Castañeda is also known for its diverse culture, robust natural resources and high-end products. One of the spotlights of the event was the product exposition where sectors from different industry showcased and demonstrated their very own products.

Over the approval of Hon. Jerry P. Pasigian, Municipal Mayor, the three-day product exposition which was held at the municipal gymnasium was arranged and initiated by the committee members of Product Exposition; Hon. Sonny A. Poncian, Chairman, in collaboration of Ms. Maryann C. Novida, DTI-Negosyo Center Coordinator & Committee Vice Chairman. The idea on having product exposition event was suggested by Ms. Maryann C. Novida to provide opportunities to different Barangays, Associations, and individuals (MSMEs) to showcase their products and augment their income.

The event started by a parade around the town followed by the thanksgiving mass and afterward the cutting of ribbon by Hon. Vice Governor Lambert Galima and Hon. Gabriel T. Marcelo, Municipal Vice Mayor. Together with DTI personnel; Ms. Rowena F. Mayangat-STID/MTIO and Alberto D. Pamatian-CTIDS of Department of Trade and Industry – Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Office (DTI-NVPO) in coordination with Ms. Maryann C. Novida-DTI Negosyo Center Coordinator of the municipality of Alfonso Castañeda. Hon. Sonny A. Poncian-ABC President & Chairman on product exposition, Hon. Boyet Castillo and Hon. Wilson Capia were also present during the activity.

About sixteen (16) delegates from the different sectors participated in the event namely: Barangay Lublub and Galintuja, Alfonso Castañeda Coco Producers Cooperative (ACCP) and Alfonso Castañeda Tiger Grass Grower and Developers Association (ACTGGDA), DTI-NV Shared Service Facility beneficiaries, Alfonso Castañeda Upland Gardeners Association (ACUGA), DTI-NV Bottom Up Budget (BUB) Beneficiary, Barangay Health Workers Association (BHW), Sabonify Beauty Products, Pauleen Briah Enterprises, Teokan Enterprises, Doreen’s Pie Haus, Kiester Lee’s Enterprises, Jackylou V. Pasigian, Estella’s Garden Mendieta Antiques, and Fernanda’s Dragon Fruit Wine.

ABC-President & Committee Chairman on Product Exposition Hon. Sonny A. Poncian requested Ms. Rowena F. Mayangat, Mr. Alberto D. Pamatian, Mr. Arjay Pablo Novida and Mr.Gerome R.Rogel of DTI-Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Office to be the judges for the best booth. On the other hand, Ms. Maryann C. Novida facilitated the whole day monitoring and facilitating for participants including DTI-information service and dissemination of materials/flyers. The overall total sale on the first day was Php22, 985.00.

On the second day, the number of participants was decreased from sixteen to thirteen and the total sale only reached PHP10, 425.00. During the last day of the exposition, all participants actively participated. Before the awarding ceremony, Ms. Maryann C. Novida started the final evaluation and monitoring of the booths. Ms. Novida got the final list of the total sales and informed the participants to prepare for the awarding of certificates and cash prices during the Awarding and Socialization Night.

“We are very thankful for this great experience and opportunity because through this product exposition, we are able to gain more income, more knowledge about consumer service, importance of entrepreneurship and business registration and licensing, and other programs under DTI.” – Delegates of Product Exposition.

The product exposition also resulted to the active participation of the people despite of the hot weather.