Lingayen, Pangasinan—In preparation for the upcoming Manila FAME, a product presentation and product development activity was conducted on August 5 at the Provincial Training and Development Center 1 (PTDC 1) here.
The undertaking was aimed at finalizing the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) who will join the Manila FAME 2024 and briefing them on the possible product design development with the help of the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP).
As such, the DCP team assisted some 13 MSMEs in the evaluation and assessment of their products and will conduct factory visits of identified MSME exhibitors, product development, as well as booth designs and construction, scheduled from August 6–8.
The 13 participants include Crafter’s Joy Cornhusk Products; Kawayan Nature Eco-Friendly Products Training; Ilokana Handicraft; Deswordzman Metal Crafts; Bandulf Industries; DOREVI Industries; Cassidy’s Souvenirs; Laoang Loofahcraft; Denmark Candle; CSFirst Green Agri Industrial Development Inc.; Aguinaldo Interiors; E-Kawayan Factory; and the Farmers Development Agricultural Association.
This is Pangasinan’s second participation in the global trade show. The awesome potential of Pangasinan’s artisans was initially unleashed through the World Trade Expo in 2023, while the local culinary pioneers made their mark during the International Food Expo 2024.
Dr. Arlyn Grace V. Guico, Founding President of Project Abound, the project’s prime mover, said that they are looking forward to an even more fruitful collaboration this year after the resounding success of Manila FAME last year.
As her piece of advice to MSMEs, Dr. Guico was quoted saying, “As you embark on your venture, always remember to have our Lord, Jesus Christ, with you by keeping Him in your heart and seeking His guidance. He provides everything—even ideas, skills, knowledge, wisdom, and more—to success, so start rightly your story now.”
Wrapping up her message, she congratulated and thanked the consolidated force of government and non-government agencies for standing in solidarity to empower the artisans and food technologies in Pangasinan.
Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino assured the provincial government and the governor’s commitment to ensure that Pangasinenses will be provided with the opportunity to improve their lives.
“Kami po na inyong lingkod bayan, andiyan po yong obligasyon naming magsilbi, mag provide ng mga programa at proyekto sa ating mga kababayan, pero hindi natin pwedeng kalimutan na hindi lamang po puro ayuda o infrastructure projects and ibinibigay sa kanila kundi, tayo rin po dapat ay nagbibigay ng suporta upang sila mismo ang makatayo sa kanilang sariling mga paa,” the vice governor said.
On the other hand, Gov. Guico, who was represented by Provincial Legal Officer Baby Ruth F. Torre, conveyed the province’s support for the engagement of MSMEs as major drivers of the economy.
It can be recalled that after the success of the Manila Fame and International Food Expo, which signaled the green light to brighter opportunities for various local entrepreneurs, the governor sought the establishment of the Pangasinan Trade Center (PTC).
Through the PTC, Gov. Guico foresees not only success for MSMEs but economic prosperity and sustainability for the province, leading to the realization of becoming an investment hub.
DTI Provincial Director Natalia Basto-Dalaten, 3rd District BM Sheila Baniqued, DCP Project Manager Nicole Carmel D. Obong, and department heads from the various provincial government offices, among others, graced the undertaking.
(Chona C. Bugayong, with reports from Rich Majin/PIMRO)
