IPA Trade Pavilion: Home of Ilonggo-made masterpieces
Some of the most popular products associated with the Ilonggo name are the 'kawayan' or bamboo, 'hablon' or hand woven textile, moscuvado, mangoes, among others. These products have their unique identity and are always part of the must-haves of foreigners and tourists. Despite its rarity in furniture shops or handicraft stores, the demand for it are still colossal than the typical ceramics or glass. In occasions like birthdays, gatherings, weddings or even christening where giveaways and souvenirs are a tradition. Because of its scarcity, we often end up buying the ceramics, glasses and the like. Now, it's no worry when it comes to Ilonggo-made products because of the opening of the Ilonggo Producers Association (IPA) Trade Pavilion where Ilonggo made products from Guimaras, Iloilo, Aklan, Antique and Capiz are available. These products are all of high quality and lower than the market price. All products could also be made to order or personalized.
The IPA Trade Pavilion is maintained by IPA members. Soon it will also function as a ticket outlet for Ilonggo events, trainings and seminars. The said pavilion was realized in the effort of the group and its president Valerie S. Maravilla. It is the group's initiative to take on a much more competitive market. IPA, formerly Panay Guimaras Producers Association (PAGPA), previously had its showroom in the DTI office.
As a group, IPA has represented Iloilo in trade fairs both locally and nationally. Its members have reliably produced top quality products from furniture, house wares, handicrafts, garments, foods, house decors, Christmas decors and the like. The organization has also grown from 18 to the now 45 active members excluding the new member producers since its founding in 1993.
And for years it has been consistent in assisting its members both in marketing and product development. IPA products and its trade house have also proven its excellence in a survey by DTI, where it ranked second out of the 22 trade houses in the Philippines. The association has also tied-up with government agencies: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Department of Tourism (DOT) for its various endeavors.
IPA members enjoy the inclusion in the producers' directory and the showroom for products (IPA Trade Pavilion). There are also trainings and seminars on product development, 'how to negotiate with buyers'. Other trainings every producer should know are also given, these are: financial management, basic accounting among others. In some cases, IPA also gives out soft loan subsidized trainings for its members. It welcomes new members who are given a six month free rental in the showroom and others. Membership with IPA only requires the producer's DTI registration, Mayor's and business permit. Now, eight members are already exporting its products in countries of Japan, Italy, USA, France, Lebanon, Malaysia, Canada, Germany, Poland, Dubai and Singapore. These producers are: Cemer Enterprises and Boyel Marketing in their elegant designed lampshades, CM (Carmelite Sisters) Bamboo craft, De la Cruz House of Piña in its furniture and decors made from Nito vine, COP (Contemplative Outreach of the Poor) in coco shells house wares, ADF (Antique Development Foundation) an non-government organization (NGO) that makes native bags and baskets, Reveña Furniture and Tribal Trends Furniture Products.
The IPA Trade Pavilion opened last October 7 and is managed by Mr. Jessie G. Genoveza.
It is also supported by the DTI, DOST, DOT and other government as well as non government agencies.
Let's patronized our Ilonggo-made products, visit IPA Trade Pavilion at Llacer Bldng Gen. Luna. Or you can join them if you're a producer contact them at 3370823 or 3362360. The IPA trade Pavilion is open from 9am - 7pm Monday to Sunday.