TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Kalinga Treasures Fair, an annual part of the celebration of the 29th Founding Anniversary and 5th Bodong Festival, has officially opened on February 5, 2024, in front of St. Tonis College.
The launching was marked by a ribbon-cutting participated by Regional Director Juliet P. Lucas of the Cordillera office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), DTI Kalinga Provincial Director Renie M. Ramos, Governor James S. Edduba, Lone District Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang’s representative Mr. Regie Wacas, and Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Domingo A. Bakilan.
At least 135 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province joined as exhibitors to showcase their locally-made products, services, and innovations to potential customers, partners, and investors.
Gov. Edduba acknowledged their dedication and contributions, recognizing their pivotal role in advancing the province’s economic growth. “Daytuy nga araramiden yu ket dakkel talaga nga contribution iti kasanu tayu nga agprogreso, isu nga adda kami ditoy nga kinanayun, sisusuporta kanya yu tapnu karkaru kayu kuma ma-encourage ken umad-adu.”
The public is encouraged to visit and support the fair which is one way to help preserve cultural identity and promote appreciation for local craftsmanship and artisans.
Several MSMEs in the wearable sector will be sponsoring the outfits of the models for the Laga fashion show on February 14, 2024, at the Kalinga Sports Center.
During the launching ceremony, DTI-CAR Regional Director Juliet P. Lucas, in her message, emphasized the importance of having more markets to have higher sales in the business, encouraging entrepreneurs to use online marketing platforms.
Lucas said that the previous year, the entrepreneurs in the province generated around PhP17 million in total sales, which is higher than other towns in the Cordillera region, a good sign that the local products of Kalinga are salable.
To gain more income, entrepreneurs must improve their marketing strategies, such as the promotion of their products through the internet using various social media sites and marketplaces that are accessible anytime and anywhere, she further said.
According to her, many of the customers are now accessing the internet to place orders, and the local products of Kalinga must be searchable and readily available to gain more sales. By Rio Bassong & Ian Addatu