LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III encourages Pangasinenses to patronize and promote locally-produced goods and services.
It has been the goal of the present administration under the stewardship of Gov. Guico from day one since he assumed his post as provincial chief executive, to establish programs and projects to help sustain agricultural production and tourism development in the province.
The objective, according to the governor, is to inculcate the value of patriotism and soliciting community support to assist the main drivers of the province’s economy reach their goals.
With the support of the legislative branch led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, Provincial Ordinance No. 294-2023 entitled, “Mandatory Promotion and Procurement of Locally-Produced Goods and Services in Pangasinan” was earlier passed.
The ordinance prescribed for the allocation of at least 10% of the total procurement value of the Provincial Local Government Unit and NGAs holding offices in Pangasinan for locally-produced goods and services and their mandatory promotion.
Under the ordinance, all tokens to be given in all activities of the government offices, must be locally-produced. At least 80% of the goods displayed in the Local Pasalubong Centers must also be locally-produced or the One-Town-One Product (OTOP) of each town and city.
Earlier, Gov. Guico pledged full support for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) because they play a pivotal role in the province’s economy by helping generate more jobs thus reducing poverty.
Meanwhile, the present administration recently transcend beyond the promotion of traditional homegrown products by helping 10 SMEs reach the international market. These SMEs were introduced via a Media Launch at The Manila Peninsula in Makati City last October 4.
In his statement, Gov. Guico cleared that the provincial government fully supports the traditional products of the province such as bagoong, bangus, salt and other popular OTOPs. However, the need to level up with regards to promoting Pangasinan’s artisans is a welcome development.
Chosen to represent Pangasinan for an opportunity to penetrate the global market in the upcoming trade show Manila FAME on October 19 to 21 at the World Trade Center, are the following SMEs: Crafter’s Joy of Basista town, Cawayan (Buri Products in Bolinao), Rach (Aguilar town), Welab (Women Empowerment and Livelihood Association of Binalonan), ALMA, Ilo, Erastus, Blades, B6 (Blessed Six) that ventured into architectural lamps, home crafts, well-crafted furniture, metal craft, and shoes, respectively; and Herwin Buccat, a self-taught artist from Bolinao town.
(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)
