The Philippine Exporters Confederation Incorporated (PhilExport) has opened its first concept store in Northern Luzon, showcasing the unique and quality food and non-food items of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in the Ilocos Region, at the SM City Urdaneta Central here.

In a phone interview on Thursday, SM City Urdaneta Central mall manager Abraham Malicdem said among the products being sold at the PhilExport concept store are canned milkfish, buri bags, sweets, souvenirs and handcrafted products, among others.

“The product prices range from as low as PHP40 featuring food and non-food items from all over Ilocos Region provinces namely Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte,” he said.

During the launching program on Wednesday afternoon, PhilExport National Board of Trustee in Ilocos Region, Myrna Bituin said the concept store gives MSMEs an avenue to sell their products.

“The misconception about PhilExport is that we are mainly exporters, but not really as membership could come from other forms as we welcome MSMEs. The store is an avenue for the MSMEs to realize that their products could be exported someday,” she said.

Bituin said they are targeting a total of 100 MSMEs to join.

She also encouraged other MSMEs to download the membership form from their website and get in touch with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“We welcome other MSMEs to be part of this as long as their products are acceptable to the market,” she added.

DTI Pangasinan provincial director Natalia Dalaten said the MSMEs in the province of Pangasinan are starting to bounce back amid the challenges they have encountered due to the pandemic.

“This involve the exports from the province which usually food products like milkfish, mango, bamboo, and other furniture and handicrafts,” she said.

Based on records from PhilExport, merchandise exports have significantly grown from USD255,668 in 2018 to USD1.6 million in 2022, with Pangasinan becoming the region’s top exporter.

“We invite everyone to patronize the products of Ilocos Region at first PhilExport Concept Store in SM City Urdaneta Central and explore the rich culture immerse vibrant colors of diverse community with exquisite handcrafted, innovative, and high quality goods that exemplify the Philippines craftsmanship and innovation from intricate woven textile and delectable food products,” Dalaten said. (PNA)