By Eva C. Visperas

 

AT 4:00 a.m., we’re all ready to go on a special mission on Friday, May 10th, in Pasay City.

It was a first time for most of us journalists who were invited by the provincial government to provide news coverage for the 17th edition of the International Food Expo (IFEX) Philippines at the World Trade Center.

Why was it important? Even some department heads of the provincial government were there, too.

“Alam nyo po, ang pagsama ng provincial government of Pangasinan sa IFEX ay isa na pong malaking tagumpay po ito dahil alam mo, kung sasama ka sa ganitong expo, international at that, eh mayroon kang maipagmamalaking produkto,” Provincial Administrator Melecio “Ely” Patague II told us at the Pangasinan booth during the opening day of the expo.

He added, “Ang pagsama natin dito ay isang malaking tagumpay po sa probinsya ng Pangasinan dahil naipapakilala ang mga natatangi at world-class na produkto ng ating probinsya.”

True enough. It was a big pride for Pangasinenses on seeing the competitive food products of other provinces.

In Pangasinan, 10 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) showcased their food products, topped by, of course, deboned and processed bangus (milkfish) in various flavors, like Mama Cili Enterprises from Anda town whose bottled processed milkfish in various flavors is no doubt a favorite of her clients, including an airline; the naturally fermented sugarcane vinegar by Dimalupig & Gabrielle Food Products Manufacturing of Pozorrubio town;  the carabao dairy products by Bantog Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative that can easily match your favorite milk drink in the grocery stores; the bagoong (fermented fish paste) products by  Bernal Bagoong from Lingayen town which has been in business for the past 63 long years.

Not to be outdone was Houyang Food Corporation of Dagupan City, makers of bangus and chicken karage (deep-fried and marinated).

Among the other displayed products were from other Pangasinan SMEs like JNS Fish Processing from Urbiztondo for processed hito (catfish); Freshious Inc. from Binmaley town for deboned processed milkfish in various flavors; Elisha Bay Dagupan Bangus and Seafoods from Dagupan City, processed deboned and bottled milkfish in various flavors; Abundance Agri-Tourism and Training Center from Dasol for processed organic herbs; and Nutridense Food Manufacturibg Corporation based in Sta. Barbara town for fortified food products.

“It’s just the beginning of the great era of Pangasinan for its food industry, ” Patague said.

“Dinala ho natin dito yung mga negne-negosyo para makipagsabayan sila sa mga magagaling sa buong mundo ito ay pagpapakita ng kagalingan natin,” he said.

Of course, Pangasinenses should be proud of these food manufacturers because they took the spotlight in the nation’s biggest food expo that provides a platform for food producers, distributors, and retailers to showcase their products to an international audience.

Gov. Monmon Guico, in his efforts to champion the food industry, gave his full support to the Pangasinan participants, to give them the advantage to open the doors of opportunities and lifelines that are already there. It was the perfect vehicle to show the best of food products.

The DTI, through its attached agency Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem), drew in more than 500 exhibitors and event partners from across the country, showcasing the latest innovations in food manufacturing and their new products.

Members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of government agencies, international and local trade buyers and partners, retail customers, and media outlets also joined the opening ceremony.

As Pangasinan DTI Provincial Director Natalie Basto-Dalaten told newsmen, “IFEX is very advantageous to our products as it will open the door to go into exports.” She added that the 10 MSMEs had been included in the roster of food suppliers in international markets.

On our part as consumers, perhaps we can show our support to our local food manufacturers by patronizing their produce first and teach our kids this practice, too.

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