PURR
The Iloilo Bamboo Market Fair
Phil. Marketing Association President Mylene Abiva, Matti Octavio, DTI Iloilo Provincial Director Engr. Wilhelm Malones, Myrna Tupas, Gov. Niel Tupas, Sr. and Mayor Mariano Malones of Maasin.The Iloilo Bamboo Market Week, spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry for six years now, has formally opened last Oct. 5, 2009 in SM City Iloilo.
It highlights the bamboo, a tall grass that is very important for several reasons. First, as shelter, it being used to build houses. Second, for food, like the ‘tambu’ that everybody loves to eat. Third, for livelihood. Bamboo is used to make toothpicks, barbecue sticks and has been seen as a good raw material alternative to wood. Fourth, it’s good for the environment. It generates oxygen, sequesters carbon dioxide by 12 tons per hectare of air and is effective in erosion control because of its wide root system and canopy.
Basketful of bamboo by-products.The opening program’s keynote speaker was Mylene Abiva, national president of the Philippine Marketing Association. She gave tips on marketing, which the exhibitors could use. “Put yourself in your client’s shoes; offer best quality products. Price is not the only reason why people buy your products. What image do you want? Would you like to be seen as cheap or one that offers value for money? Make a market plan by identifying your target market, competitors and your competitive edge. Otherwise, it’s like driving a car but not knowing where to go. Visit www.philmarketing.net.ph and there, we will help you make a marketing plan,” she said.
The Iloilo Bamboo Market Week will last until Oct. 11, 2009. Visit the fair and be amazed on what Ilonggos can create from bamboo. Who knows, you might find good Christmas gifts, home ornaments or other functional items there that you don’t find anywhere else.