The provincial government is assisting the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to recover from their losses brought on by the pandemic through the Tourism and Trade Expo.

“We have invited our MSMEs provincemates to give them the chance to earn amid the pandemic as this is also a chance for them to showcase their products,” Governor Amado Espino III said in his speech during the 442nd Pangasinan founding anniversary celebration on Tuesday.

Espino said participating MSMEs were permitted to establish their stalls for free.

Various Pangasinan products were displayed and were sold at affordable prices.

Among these products are chicharon (pork rinds), tapa, chips, puto (steamed rice cake), dried fish, handicrafts such as baskets, and others.

“May mga idadagdag tayong activities pero depende sa magiging sitwasyon sa kaso ng coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) (We will be adding more activities but it will depend on the situation of the Covid-19 cases in the province),” he said.

The Tourism and Trade Expo will last until May 1 this year simultaneous with the celebration Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival).

Meanwhile, a thanksgiving mass was celebrated at the Sison auditorium here presided by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

The Abig Sining 2022 visual arts exhibit opened at 3 p.m. at the Casa Real beside the municipal building of Lingayen.

The day-long event concludes with a Konsyerto sa Expo at the capitol beachfront.

Espino said the celebration of Pangasinan Day also serves as the official kick-off of the Pista’y Dayat.

This year’s celebration has become simple yet meaningful after two years of restrictions due to the pandemic.

The annual celebration of Pista’y Dayat serves as a way of thanksgiving for the bountiful blessings that Pangasinenses receive from the sea. (PNA)