Aklan entrepreneurs showcase world class products
KALIBO, Aklan – Not only this province of Aklan is famous to its piña and abaca products, micro small entrepreneurs are showcasing their unique craftsmanship and global market potential in the 11th Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival on April 21 to 27.
The trade fair is under the auspices of the Department of Trade and industry (DTI), Fiber Industry Development Authority, Provincial Government of Aklan, Congressional District Office, Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc. and Aklan Piña Manufacturers and Traders Association, Inc.
DTI Provincial Director Engr. Diosdado Cadena, Jr. said the trade fair opened its doors to 102 exhibitors from Aklan and other provinces in Western Visayas, the One-Town One Product (OTOP) booths of the 17 municipalities, agri-aqua industrial exhibits products of community based organizations and from Region IV-A, VII and IX and the Tsibugan sa Kapitolyo concessionaires.
Working on a theme, “Aklanon’s Creativity and Versatility meet Nature’s Bounty,” the fiber festival features the entrepreneurship, creativity and competitiveness of Aklan’s world class products.
Now on its 11th year, the festival also showcases decorative crafts, fashion accessories, processed meat and fish products, bakery and confectionary products, gifts and furnishings, ornamental plants, cutflowers, raffia, abaca and piña loomwoven fabrics and engineered bamboo products.
Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores said the provincial government under the leadership of Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez has been supportive of the pina weaving industry, not only in the production, but also responsible in putting up valuable assistance for micro and small entrepreneurs in the promotion of Aklan’s products to the global market.
Ma. Beatriz Pamintuan ‘Patis’ Tesoro, who personally worked for the revival of piña industry in Aklan in mid-1980’s, also challenged the piña loom weavers and local designers to develop new and competitive designs to adapt to the ever-changing customers.
“Piña is an expression of Filipino’s status in life. It is a gift of our forefathers to our country. To keep the people from patronizing the products, something new has to be done by the local exhibitors,” said renowned designer Tesoro, who co-founded Katutubong Filipino Foundation (KFF) with Amelita “Ming” Ramos in 1992.
Cadeña said the exhibitors target to surpass the P6-million cash and booked sales registered last year with new trade opportunities from prospective buyers. The trade fair is held at the Trade Hall, Provincial Capitol Grounds to coincide with the 54th Aklan Day celebration on April 25. (Boy Ryan B. Zabal)
