Sinadya sa Halaran to feature Capiz product expo

by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (3 December) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Capiz will stage a Capiz Product Expo and Estilo Capiz at the Activity Center of Gaisano City Mall here from December 4 to 8 this year.

The 5-day trade fair and fashion show is in line with the 2008 Sinadya sa Halaran (SSH) celebration with the theme "Bugay nga Naagum, Ikalipay kag Ipaambit nga Mapinasalamaton."

DTI Provincial Director Ermelinda P. Pollentes said that the activity will highlight design-led handcrafted items from bamboo, cane and rattan housewares, coco shell fashion accessories, garments, wood-based giftware, furniture and fixtures, capiz and sea shell products, abaca footwear, and home accessories, among others.

"Prepare to be wowed by the craftsmanship and ingenuity of Capiz artisans and craftsmen-entrepreneurs as some of their wearable products will be paraded by beautiful models in a mini-fashion show during the opening program," said a DTI – Capiz press release.

The opening ceremony will be at 3 o'clock in the afternoon of December 4.

Expected to grace the opening program are Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sr. Roxas City Mayor Vicente B. Bermejo, DTI Regional Director and Engineer Dominic P. Abad.

The marketing events will also feature processed seafood, fruits, vegetables, and other delicacies in exciting packaging.

"The activity is a culminating event to the yearlong product development consultancy services extended by the DTI to the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME0 particularly in the Gifts and Housewares (G & H) and Processed Food Sectors.

DTI has commissioned international lifestyle designer PJ Arañador to provide the MSMEs design ideas with potential commercial value using mixed materials in developing new product lines.

Fresh from his stint in India, Mr. Arañador has collaborated with MSMEs to come up with 120 new products which will be the main focus of the product expo.

Former San Miguel Corporation ace Marketing Consultant Abner Villahermosa was also tapped to work with the food processor group to improve and enhance their packaging.

Product development consultancy is a continuing consulting services provided by DTI to local producers to improve the quality, marketability and competitiveness of their products. (DTI-Capiz/PIA)