The Department of Trade and Industry Cordillera opened the online Impakabsat trade fair where products made by local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are showcased.
Impakabsat stands for Ifugao, Mountain Province, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, and Benguet attached to the Ilocano word kabsat or kin.
DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez said the trade has premium items from exhibitors in the region that include ethnic novelty and gift items, houseware, food items, hand-woven products, bamboo crafts, furniture, and collectible antiques.
“The trade show gives a perfect example of the Cordillera scenery, tradition, and culture. It is a celebration of the creativity and resilience of the region, a perfect showcase of the Cordillera camaraderie and culture,” he added.
Eighty exhibitors joined the trade fair that also offers live selling and live skills demonstrations.
Lopez said the Cordillera is abundant with ingenious and innovative products that are distinct only in this part of the country.
The Impakabsat also highlights DTI’s programs for the MSMEs.
The DTI has supported 1,571 MSMEs in the region, which helped improve the products of 533 business ventures by providing development training.
“Through the various programs of the DTI, we aim to develop and strengthen our MSMEs and provide them a platform to market their products, and through the One Town, One Product next-generation program, the agency aims to promote and link our micro and small businesses to domestic and foreign markets through trade events and retail marketing,” Lopez said.
He said events like Impakabsat provide the region with the biggest platform and bigger venues where local enterprises can proudly present their goods.
MSMEs can now access broader markets through these events to compete with other products locally and globally.
Lopez said the online trade expo, which runs from Nov. 19 to 26, will enable exhibitors and buyers to visit and set up booths without going out to the physical venue. Those interested can visit https://www.virtualtradeexpoph.com/expo/impakabsat to check on the products sold at the trade fair.
Lopez encouraged the public to support the nationwide campaign, “Buy local, go lokal” that promotes locally made products as part of the government’s push to restore consumer confidence.
“As we go back to work and begin to spend our income once again especially this Christmas season, businesses will be encouraged to produce more as well. This in turn will start the vicious cycle of fueling our slowly reopening economy.”
DTI Regional Director Myrna Pablo said prior to the trade fair opening, the region and the provincial offices have been conducting massive capacity building on digital marketing and e-commerce among the MSMEs.
“This first online Impakabsat will test our position on e-commerce as we embark on the new normal,” Pablo said.
She said the target is to surpass previous years’ sales considering the wider market and higher potential of the products to be seen. – PNA
