ILAGAN CITY, Isabela— Eighty-two homegrown businesses from Isabela are taking their products to a bigger playing field, banking on the Metro Manila market to boost sales, attract new customers and grow their enterprises on the second year of the Isabela Best Laku trade fair.
The fair, which opened on Oct. 19 at Festival Mall Alabang in Muntinlupa City, gives the province’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) direct access to urban consumers and potential business partners. It will run until Oct. 25.
For these entrepreneurs, the opportunity goes beyond selling goods — it is a chance to build brands, test products in a larger market and turn local craftsmanship into bigger business opportunities.
Governor Rodolfo “Rodito” T. Albano III, Vice-Governor Francis Faustino A. Dy and Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano visited the exhibitors on opening day, offering encouragement and underscoring the provincial leadership’s commitment to helping local businesses expand.
Mr. Albano urged entrepreneurs to keep improving their products and assured them of continued provincial government support.
Provincial Tourism Officer Joanne D. Maranan said the initiative seeks to widen market access and spur product innovation. Mr. Dy, meanwhile, emphasized the need to help MSMEs strengthen their online presence, upgrade packaging and improve marketing — critical steps in making homegrown products more competitive and attractive to a broader customer base. — Artemio A. Dumlao