The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte formally reopened today, May 28, the La Tabacalera Food Park, dubbed as the province’s newest “safe public space.”
At least 12 homegrown businesses and brands attended the soft reopening, namely: Sr. Sisig Sherep, Micro Burger, Sushi House, Wrap-in, Sam Sugarcane Juice Shop, Thick and Thin Cafe, One-3-Seven Brews, Sassy Sausage, A-Z Cafeteria, Romelcath Kitchenette, and U-Chill Ilocos Norte.
Musical performances of Ilocano artists and the La Milagrosa Art Exhibit highlighted the event by featuring the works of visual artists Marlowe Questin, Stephen Jas Domingo, Angelie Banaag, and Khervin Jhon Gallandez, and photographer Alaric Yanos.
The Tabacalera reopening was a part of the economic recovery efforts of the Provincial Government under Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc.
This project was a collaboration among the Provincial Employment Group composed of the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investments Office, Provincial Public Employment Service Office, and Provincial Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Office, the Provincial Tourism Office, and the Communications and Media Office.
“It’s been a long time dahil sa COVID na-delay lahat but we are very glad that today we are able to reopen and inaugurate our food park as another safe public space for our community,” said Governor Manotoc.
To ensure social distancing at the place, the organizers limit the Food Park’s dining capacity by requiring customers to pre-register and request them to arrive in a specific time slot. On-site registration is also available for walk-in customers.
Previously, the Provincial Government had allowed several outdoor landmarks for local enterprises’ activities under the new normal.–(Edison Justin B. Deus, PGIN-CMO)
