Aklanons rise from Frank's devastation, says Aklan Guv
The Aklanons have not lost their focus to rise from the devastations brought by typhoon Frank in Aklan province in June 2008.
This was emphasized by Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez during the opening of the 6thAklan Product Showcase held at SM City Iloilo.
"Typhoon Frank's 190 km/hour winds, and mudflows may have devastated Aklan," but this did not stop the Aklanons, the entrepreneurs from their toils," Governor Marquez said as he cited the role of the Hugod-Aklan the wider range of participation of the food, flowers and handicrafts sectors in helping fuel the economy of the province.
"The Small and Medium Enterprises can be considered as the backbone of our economy in terms of employment generation and revenues that goes to the government's coffer," Marquez said.
The Aklan governor's message was read during the program by Provincial Planning Coordinator Roger Esto.
The activity which is held from November 10 to 16, 2008 showcases hand-woven fabrics, fashion accessories, home decors, gift items, furniture and furnishings, and ornamental plants, and participated in by some 28 exhibitors.
Provincial Director Diosdado P. Cadena, Jr. of the Department of Trade and Industry-Aklan said the activity is a joint project of the Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc. and the DTI, in coordination with the Aklan provincial government.
Cadena said that during the said event, distinctively Aklan meat products and delicacies will also be exhibited together with the products of selected beneficiaries of the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) Program and Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Peogram.
OTOP is one of the priority programs of President Arroyo to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs in the countryside.
OTOP encourages the Micro, Small and Medium Enterproses (MSMEs) to produce and market distinct products or services using indigenous raw materials and local skills of every municipality or city.
Cadena said that they are hopeful that the Aklan Product showcase will exceed last year's P1.7 million sales performance.
The occasion was also graced by DTI 6 Regional Director Dominic Abad, RTD Remelyn Recoter of DA 6, representatives from the Iloilo City Mayor's Office, and other government offices in Iloilo City.(PIA/T.Villavert)