| |
|
| |
|
 |
|
||||
25 SMEs to join the 3rd Aklan Product showcase at SM City Iloilo
Twenty Five (25) SMEs will join the 3rd Aklan Product Showcase at the Lower Ground Floor, Activity Center, SM City Mandurriao, Iloilo City on 26 September-02 October 2005. Special guests during the opening at 2:00pm on the first day are Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Dominic P. Abad, said DTI Aklan Provincial Director Ermelinda P. Pollentes. Pollentes said that the 25 SMEs are members of the different business groups that are assisted by DTI Aklan composed of Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc.; Aklan Piña Manufacturers and Traders Association, Inc.; Aklan Chamber of Furniture Industries; Aklan Food Processors Development Cooperative; Aklan Active Bakers Association; and Aklan Horticulture Society. Selected beneficiaries of the KALAHI-Agrarian Reform Zone will also join the fair. This year's showcase will highlight new and wide range fiber-based products and furniture in a lifestyle setting which include fashion accessories, housewares, paper arts, furniture and furnishings, processed foods and ornamental plants. “This is our 3 rd year at SM City-Iloilo.” The last two years were rewarding. Data revealed that Aklan producers were the highest in terms of sales in any fairs of the provinces in the region conducted at the mall. This only shows that Aklan products are competitive in terms of quality and price. We at DTI and the producers aim to make it better every time we have a fair. We owe a lot to our buyers and the general public.” added Pollentes. The province of Aklan, known for its powdery white beach Boracay Island and the famous Ati-atihan Festival is also recognized for its intricately hand-woven products from piña, abaca and raffia fibers. Of the 30 weaving firms registered with DTI, the industry has created total employment of 9,199 compose of farmers, scrappers, knotters, weavers, embroiderers and sewers, scattered in 15 municipalities all over Aklan. Products such as placemats, embroidered barongs, shawls, and other novelty items, are sold not only in the domestic but also in the export market which include, Canada, US, Japan, Italy and France, among others. For 2004, total industry sales reached almost Php 67 million. Pollentes added that although DTI assistance is focused more on the 12 relatively big firms considered as big brother/sister to smaller ones, these big firms network with smaller ones to meet volume orders, thus developing them in the process. She added that the Local Government of Aklan is fully supportive of the industry. “The industry attained its greater heights because of the strong support of both Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Congressman Florencio Miraflores,” added Pollentes. Pollentes is inviting everyone to come and visit the week-long fair and have a taste of Aklan's best. For more information, please contact: DTI-Aklan, Veterans Avenue, Kalibo, Aklan, Telephone numbers (036) 268-3405 /500-7605, Telefax (036) 268-5280, Email: dtiaklan@skyinet.net . (Ruby M. Melliza) |
