Mouth-watering longganiza from Batac. Crispy-licious Chicharon or Bagnet from San Nicolas. Bibingka, puto and other native kakanin from Currimao and Calasiao, Pangasinan. Abel Iloko from the loomweavers of Paoay and shellcraft from the artisans of Pagudpud.
These are just some of the products showcasing Ilocano pride being sold at the 4th “Minuyongan ken Partuat” Trade Fair & Garden Show at the Aurora Park in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
The trade fair is a project of the Department of Trade & Industry provincial office in partnership with the Partuat ti Kailokuan Association, City Government of Laoag and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte.
According to Ms Jenette Suguitan, Senior Trade & Industry Specialist, the trade fair “aims to promote local products not only from Ilocos Norte but also from other provinces of Ilocandia, especially the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) of the various Local Government Units of the province.” The OTOP is a government program aimed to support local entrepreneurs and Local Government Units develop markets for their products and help push the local and national economy.
Other products featured at the trade fair are country wines from Adams & Ilocos Sur; furniture and home furnishings from the Cordillera Administrative Region and local manufacturers; processed food such as Banna Rice Coffee, Batac empanada, Solsona veggie noodles, Paoay chichacorn; gifts, home decors like miniature replicas of Bangui windmills; linen and garments, among others.
One of the highlights of this year’s trade fair is plants, particularly bonsai
.
“We are introducing bonsai because more and more people are discovering the joy of collecting and taking care of bonsai,” Ms Suguitan said. Bonsai plants being sold come from Ilocandia Bonsai Society, Ilocos Sur, Pasuquin and La Union.
The trade fair will run from May 11-20, 2011. (Carlo P. Canares/PIA Ilocos Norte)
