DTI-3 OIC RD LeonilaBaluyut (2nd R) and Zambales Provincial Administrator Jun Omar Ebdane (leftmost) lead the opening of the ZambalesPasalubong Center in Iba, Zambales. Joining them are Benjamin Farin Jr. (rightmost), DTI ZambalesOIC PD Enrique Tacbadand Philip Camara of the Camara Foundation.
The Department of Trade and Industry Zambales Provincial Office (DTI Zambales) and the Zambales Micro Small and Medium Development Council (MSMEDC) recently opened the newest Pasalubong Center in Iba, Zambales. The Center, which is strategically located near the Provincial Capitol, features the best food and non-food products of the region.
The opening and ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony was led by Zambales Provincial Administrator Jun Omar Ebdane, DTI-3 OIC Regional Director Leonila Baluyut, DTI ZambalesProvincial Director Enrique Tacbad, Zambales MSMEDC Chairman Benjamin Farin Jr., Dr. Agustin O. CamaraFoundation Inc. President Philip Camara, other key officials, MSMEs and consumer groups. At least 26 MSMEs selling food and non-food items displayed their products at the Pasalubong Center, including mango-based products, sweets and delicacies, homemade condiments, wines and souvenir items.
During the opening program, Administrator Ebdaneemphasized the need for the Pasalubong Center to support local products and MSMEs of the province. He assured the DTI that he will urge the provincial government and other offices to patronize the products displayed at the center.Director Baluyut of DTI-3 thanked the Camara Foundation of Iba, Zambales for accommodating the Center in its area. She further stressed the need to improve the branding of Zambalesproducts to widen its market and increase the income of local MSMEs. She also noted that during this time, online presence is important to gain customers and sell products. Director Baluyut also conveyed that the DTI has always been ready to support local MSMEs through capability building, product development, intellectual property registration, brand development, mentoring and other business development assistance to level up the MSMEs of Zambales and the whole of Region 3.
