MUNTINLUPA CITY – Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from the province of Apayao province showcased their products at the IMPAKABSAT Regional Trade Fair, held at Upper Ground Floor Carousel Court East Hall, Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, from November 17 to 26, 2023.
Among the notable exhibitors from the province were the SIBES Agrarian Reform Marketing MPC, and Flora Agri Tourism Farm. The event also featured a collection of products from various enterprises, including Dumapayao Farms Corp, SARANAY MPC, JABC Fashion & Accessories, Lokals Handicrafts Store, CAJOMA ARBs MPC, Mallig Rural Improvement Club (RIC), Clarence Handicrafts Manufacturing, Unified Lifecare Innovation Association, and Isagaddan Crafts and Souvenirs.
IMPAKABSAT, an initiative spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry Cordillera Administrative Region (DTI-CAR), aims to support MSMEs adversely affected by the pandemic and natural calamities. The annual trade fair serves as a platform for these enterprises to showcase their products and innovative practices to the wider public.
The various products and services on display at IMPAKABSAT 2023 included organic and natural products, fresh and processed foods, wearable and home-style items, as well as offerings in the realms of coffee, cacao, bamboo craft, woodcraft, furniture, and furnishings. Creative Allied Industries, encompassing tattoo art, crafts, and various creative works, were also featured.
In an interview, DTI–CAR Regional Director Juliet Lucas highlighted the ongoing efforts to uplift MSMEs in the region. “There are other intervening programs launched by DTI CAR, like improving their [MSMEs] productivity and quality, and we have the shared service facilities to improve their capacity to do business by the provision of financial assistance,” she stated.
The IMPAKABSAT trade fair not only serves as a marketplace for these enterprises but also provides a unique opportunity for the public to gain insights into the Filipino products and practices. The event contributes to nurturing economic resilience and sustainability, ensuring that MSMEs continue to thrive despite the challenges they face. By JCM