March 29, 2024

BANGUED, Abra – Various local pro-ducts and native delicacies were showcased at the trade fair in celebration of the Dapil Festival 2023 of this municipality.
Seventeen Abrenian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) who  participated in the  trade fair sold muscavado, Abrenian coffee, cascaron, chicacorn, pancit miki noodles, Abel cloths, and other handicrafts.  
Alice Bernardez, a member of the Agtangao Lubong Association that sold cascaron at the trade fair, said their sales have improved through the trade fair.
“Mas marami po talagang benta dito kumpara ‘pag nagbahay-bahay lang kami kasi hindi lang taga-Bangued ang bibili dito sa trade fair, pati na rin mga taga-ibang munisipyo,” she said.
The cascaron is a delicacy made out of ground glutinous rice with sugarcane molasses from panagdapil.
One of the exhibitors, Roxan Sison Tauro, owner of Krishenne’s consumer goods, said she has been participating in trade fairs at the local and national level for a long time.
She produces handicrafts and various personal accessories.
“I’ve joined the Impakabsat for so many times now, both in Alabang and in SM Baguio, and it boosted my products’ sales and promotion,” she said.
Tauro is innovating and is now producing handicrafts made out of corn leaf such as artificial flowers, coffee mug mats, baskets, beads, sash, and bracelets.
“I need to continuously make a product that will represent Abra. Most offices here are buying from me for their souvenirs and gift items,” she said.
The trade fair is one of highlights of the Dapil Festival, which is coined from the word panagdapil, the traditional method of extracting sugarcane juicse. Sugarcane is one main agricultural product of Abra. – Christian Allister Tubadeza