At least 1,300 micro-businesses in this province will benefit from the newly constructed “Kalinga Pasalubong Center” which v. will serve as a showroom of all Kalinga-produced products.

Regina Madjo, president of the Chamber of Tabuk City -Kalinga Producers Association (C-KaPI) and center manager, said the hub is beneficial for local manufacturers in selling their products.

“Maganda ang location kasi mostly ang mga pumapasok sa Kalinga at lumalabas ay dumadaan dito at bumibili ng products (The location is perfect as travellers drop by here to buy pasalubong),” Madjo said in an interview on the sidelines of the formal opening and turn-over of the facility on Tuesday.

The pasalubong center is located beside the entrance and exit arc of Kalinga province, near the municipality of Quezon, Isabela.

“Since we opened and displayed products in May, we saw the difference in sales of our products,” Madjo said.

The C-KaPi has 67 manufacturers and producers of woven fabrics and products, processed food and drinks, metal crafts, wearables, furniture, fixtures, fashion accessories and handicrafts.

Madjo said the center would accommodate products of even non-members.

The center, funded by the Office of Kalinga Lone District Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang, also provides a rest room for travelers. It has solar panels that run its water supply and electricity needs, making the operation sustainable.

Tabuk City Mayor Darwin Estrañero said funds would be allotted for landscaping and the construction of an additional facility for a permanent one-stop-shop tourist information center.

“We have registered about 100,000 tourists who stayed for at least a night and about the same number of day-time tourists who passed Tabuk and maybe went to visit Whang-od. These are relevant numbers who contribute to our economy,” Estrañero said. (PNA)