Aklan targets $100,000 from exports

By Maricar M. Calubiran

The provincial government of Aklan and the small and medium enterprise (SMEs) in the province are targeting a 100,000 US dollars sales in the world market and P25 million from the domestic market from its booming piña, abaca and raffia fibers industry.

Department of Trade Industry (DTI) provincial director Ermelinda Pollentes said Aklan products are competitive in both domestic and international market.

“The world is our market because our products are environment friendly,” said Pollentes.

Pollentes said Aklan products are exported in Europe, US, Japan, Canada, Italy and France. The exports include embroidered barongs, shawls, placemats and other novelty items. They are intricately hand-woven.

Aside from its powdery white sand beach Boracay Island and Ati-atihan festival, Aklan is now gaining recognition for its export quality piña, abaca and raffia fibers products.

Aklan also registered its newest product, the  “piña seda” with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). Palawan is also eyeing to get the intellectual property rights for the piña seda, said Pollentes. 
Pollentes said they would launch the piña seda April next year in time for the 50th anniversary of Aklan. The launching would be held in the capitol grounds. The local government of Aklan is supportive of the industry.

Pollentes was in Iloilo City Monday for the opening of the 3rd Aklan product showcase in SM City. The different regional directors who are from Aklan also came full force to support the trade fair.
The trade fair was meant to disseminate information on Aklan as investment destination, promote the priority products as well as investment priority sectors and projects in the province and provide opportunity for SMEs to display their products at SM City. This is to generate cash and booked sales.