The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 2 Isabela, Batanes, and Cagayan Provincial Offices conducted back-to-back-to-back Padday na Lima Provincial Trade Fairs this month.

Gawang Isabela, ating ibida!” was the theme of a campaign by DTI R2-Isabela to show off the products made in the province at Robinsons Place in Santiago from 12 – 18 June 2022.

Over 40 Isabela MSMEs proudly showcased their #GawangLokal products during the event kick-off which fell on the Philippine Independence Day.

PD Ma. Sofia G. Narag said that the DTI is very committed to giving Isabela MSMEs a boost through product exhibitions and trade fairs, which give them a great place to show off their goods.

Then, Atty. Michael B. Paggabao, Assistant Division Chief of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMEDD), echoed DTI R2’s Buy Local Advocacy.

On the other hand, DTI R2-Batanes and the Provincial Government of Batanes (PGB) worked together to put on the Payuhuan Festival 2022 Agro-Industrial Trade Fair, which took place from 20 – 26 June 2022 at the Provincial Park in Basco, Batanes.

This served as an avenue to help the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) showcase and promote the products of their creative, agriculture, and food sectors.

The ribbon-cutting was led by the co-chairperson of the Provincial Agro Trade Fair, DTI R2 OIC Director Ellerie Mila G. Ramel and Hon. Governor Marilou H. Cayco, together with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Director Dr. Angel Encarnacion and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regional Director Atty. Ronaldo Daquioag.

DTI R2 Director Leah Pulido Ocampo graced the event through a video message congratulating Batanes on celebrating their 239th Batanes Founding Anniversary with a theme “MITWAS: The Story of Batanes’ Recovery.”

The implementation of the Provincial Agro-Trade Fair together with the PGB, through the Provincial Agriculture Office, is hoped to be an impetus for economic recovery.

In her welcoming remarks, Governor Marilou H. Cayco stated that the first post-pandemic Agro Trade Fair celebrates #GawangIvatanTatakBatanes products shaped by our rich culture, tradition, and history and symbolizes the Ivatans’ resiliency.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) RD Dr. Angel Encarnacion also extended the message of Usec. Cheyll Marie Natividad Caballero, who congratulated Batanes for re-opening its doors to tourists and showcasing the bountiful agriculture and fishing sectors—which also play an important role in fueling the tourism industry of the province.

To wrap up June, DTI R2-Cagayan and the Provincial Government of Cagayan (PGC) also held the Aggao Nac Cagayan Padday Na Lima Provincial Trade Fair at the Upper Level Activity Area of Robinsons Place Tuguegarao from 23 – 29 June 2022.

In his message, Provincial Governor Manuel Mamba thanked the Cagayanos for their never-ending support for the administration’s programs and projects. He further urged them to keep aspiring for a better future not only for the province but also for themselves.

On the other hand, DTI Region 2, represented by Assistant Regional Director Winston T. Singun, shared the accomplishments of the department in assisting the Cagayan MSMEs.

“We are preparing our MSMEs to level up to formal and bigger markets. We have the Grandbagsakan Project, Walang Sayang Project, and we even partnered with different e-platforms like MayaniPh and E-delivery.”

Provincial Director Henry O. Conel Jr. also appreciated the PGC and the Cagayan Tourism Office for involving DTI R2-Cagayan in the highlights of the 498th celebration of Aggao Nac Cagayan.

The best products of Cagayan are featured in the seven-day event; among them are coffee and cacao products, handicrafts, homestyles and wearables, food and beverages, and others.

Date of Release: 8 July 2022