TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Kalinga Lone District Representative Allen Jesse Mangaoang lauded the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Kalinga for spearheading a trade fair in celebration of the province’s Foundation Day.
He highlighted the significance of such initiatives in reviving the local economy and empowering entrepreneurs.
“Looking back since we started reviving the local economy four years ago, we can see a light at the end of the tunnel,” Mangaoang said. “We’ve made great strides in empowering our entrepreneurs through our Shared Service Facility (SSF) programs, the Kapatid Mentor Me Program, and various trade fairs and product exhibits organized by the DTI.,” he further stated.
The congressman noted that these efforts have contributed to Kalinga’s economic growth, making it the second fastest-growing province in the Cordillera region.
He credited the services sector as the primary driver, accounting for 66.8% of the local economy, followed by industry at 19.2% and agriculture, forestry, and fisheries at 14.1%.
Mangaoang emphasized the impressive 42.4% growth in accommodation and food services, reflecting the province’s booming tourism industry.
He also acknowledged the vital role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), describing them as the “backbone of the local economy.”
“The government, through DTI, fully supports our MSMEs because you are the key to keeping our economy vibrant,” he said.
He commended DTI for its continued support and stressed the importance of economic growth that prioritizes not just profit but also community well-being, safety, and resilience.
“Trade fairs are more than just marketplaces—they are celebrations of ingenuity and hard work. Here, we witness ideas and technologies that shape the future,” Mangaoang added.
Encouraging participants to engage with innovators and seek collaborations, he urged businesses to view challenges as opportunities for growth, innovation, and local development. By Edward Joseph Gacuya
