As part of its continuous support to local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the pandemic, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) launched the “Tienda ni Gob” Trade Fair last February 26 to March 2, at the P. Juan Luna St, Riverside, Laoag City.
The “Tienda ni Gob” Trade Fair is an existing program of the Provincial Government, specifically by the Provincial Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Office, which supports local entrepreneurs in marketing their products. It was launched anew to help local businesses in recovering from the impact brought by COVID-19.
The week-long trade fair comprised of booths by different local entrepreneurs and agrarian stakeholders throughout the province showcased food products, apparel and clothing, furniture and home decorations, and agricultural produce, among others.
In his message, Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc acknowledged the participants and vowed to assist them:
“We can all agree na talagang ang mga MSMEs natin are the backbones of our economy, especially dito sa Ilocos Norte. Majority of our people are either working or offering small businesses. Kaya naman sa una pa lang, we at the Provincial Government recognized this problem, this possibility of many small businesses struggling. We will continue to do what we can to support our local businesses.”
“We’re also happy na nandito kayo (merchants) because we also need to find ways to inject some confidence in our consumers. Kahit papaano ay makakalabas sila, and they know it’s safe since nasa outdoor naman tayo, may proper spacing, and with all the safety protocols. I’m hoping that this can be an impetus for our confidence to go out again, to purchase goods and to enjoy ourselves,” Gov. Marcos Manotoc added.
Aside from the trade fair, PGIN has also partnered with the Department of Science and Technology-Provincial Science and Technology Center (DOST-PSTC) in providing free calibration of weighing scales to MSMEs and all interested clients, through their Calibration Caravan Program.
The Provincial Government continues to provide assistance to local entrepreneurs in the province through its other programs such as the “Buy In” Bazaar, “Mercato ni Nanay Ces,” and micro-financing assistance program.– Stewart C. Ocampo, PGIN-CMO
