Ten micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Pangasinan will be joining more than 500 exhibitors nationwide in the upcoming International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2024 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City from May 10 to 12.
In an interview on Tuesday, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Pangasinan Provincial Director Natalia Dalaten said it is the first time for three of 10 Pangasinan MSMEs to join the expo, while the remaining seven have joined the expo in the past but not under the provincial government.
The first time participants are Bantog Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative based in Asingan town which will showcase its carabao dairy and meat products; Bernal Bagoong from Lingayen town with its bagoong (fish sauce) products; and JNS Fish Processing from Urbiztondo town with its processed hito (catfish) products.
The remaining seven are Freshious Inc. from Binmaley town with its deboned processed milkfish in various flavors; Mama Cili Enterprises from Anda town with its bottled processed milkfish in various flavors; Elisha Bay Dagupan Bangus and Seafoods from Dagupan City with its processed deboned and bottled milkfish in various flavors; Houyang Food Corporation of Dagupan City with its bangus and chicken karage; Dimalupig & Gabrielle Food Products Manufacturing from Pozzorubio town with its sugarcane vinegar; Abundance Agri-Tourism and Training Center from Dasol town to feature its processed organic herbs; and Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corporation based in Sta. Barbara town with its various fortified food products.
“The products of these MSMEs have the necessary certifications and approval from concerned government agencies on the quality, food preparation and the like, certifying that these are of export standard,” Dalaten said.
She said the provincial government covered their participation fees and provided support and other logistical needs.
Bantog Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative chairman Rolly Mateo Sr. said they are excited for the opportunity to share their products to the international market.
“We are excited and we hope we could increase our market reach as we are preparing for greater demands from the market with the support and provision from the different national government agencies and the local government units,” he said in Filipino.
IFEX Philippines is the country’s premium global platform that develops and promotes the export capabilities of MSMEs, providing quality Filipino and Asian food and ingredients.
Aside from the physical exhibition in Pasay City, the products of the exhibitors will also be available through the IFEXConnect.com, where buyers can place their orders online.
‘Lechonan sa Barangay’
Meanwhile, a village here has staged for a second year in a row its Lechonan sa Barangay (roasting of pigs in the village) to promote the over-three-decade industry of pig roasting.
Lasip Chico barangay chairman Aldex Meneses said they wanted their pig roasting industry to be recognized and further help the families in the business.
He said the roasted pigs or lechon in their village are known for its taste and different flavors and ingredients.
“The best pig roasters are from our barangay. This industry or business has been here even before I was born,” he said, adding that some 50 families in their community are into this business.
Meneses said from the 14 pigs roasted last year, they roasted 22 pigs weighing 50 to 60 kilos during this year’s event last May 4.
Free food tasting of the lechon was done even as the roasted pork were sold at PHP700 per kilo, cheaper than the current market price by PHP100 to PHP150. (PNA)
