Longaniza, Bagnet, etc. Dominate

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (11 November) — Mouth-watering longganiza from Batac. Crispy-licious Chicharon or Bagnet from San Nicolas. Bibingka, puto and other native kakanin from Currimao and Calisao of Pangasinan. Abel fabric 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 15th Partuat ti Kailokuan Trade Fair & Garden Show at the Ilocano Heroes Memorial Hall in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

The trade fair is being conducted by the Department of Trade & Industry provincial office in partnership with the Partuat ti Kailokuan Association and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte under Governor Imee Marcos. A manufacturer’s fair, it aims to promote 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 LGUs develop markets for their products and help push the local and national economy.

Aside from the many OTOPs of the province, there are other products from other provinces of Region 1 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) at the trade fair. Some of these are Puto Calasiao and Kutsinta from Calasiao, Pangasinan; wood carvings and furniture from the CAR and Vigan, Ilocos Sur; gift items, hand-crafted products and novelties; fashion accessories; potted- poinsettias for the holidays, plants and other flowers.

The trade fair will run from November 11-22, 2009. (PIA)