Micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) are encouraged to continue innovating to become competitive and meet the challenges of time.

Antique acting Governor Edgar Denosta, in his message during the opening of the MSME Week in the province Tuesday, said the MSMEs are the backbone of the economy. They need to continuously innovate to make their products competitive in the market.

“MSMEs need to unlock new opportunities or innovate for sustainable growth,” Denosta said.

Denosta added he is crafting an ordinance creating tour packages and encouraging the transport sector to bring tourists to various destinations in the province, like the highland of Aningalan in San Remigio, Antique, known as the “Little Baguio” because of its cool climate and beautiful sceneries.

With the influx of tourists, MSMEs will also have the opportunity to sell their products to visitors.

Meanwhile, DTI Antique provincial director Mutya Eusores, in an interview, said 12 MSMEs are displaying their products from herbal liniment, patadyong, or handwoven apparel, potteries, bamboo fish nets and baskets and other processed food products in the MSME product showcase at the old capitol.

Eusores invited the public to visit the product showcase, which is open from July 8 to 12.

“The products on display show the ingenuity of the MSMEs,” she said.

Eusores said the DTI provides training for MSMEs in the province to gain knowledge and produce new product designs, or they can diversify.

One of the exhibitors, Dr. Clarissa Esmenos, started producing virgin coconut oil used as a soothing rub about 10 years ago.

Esmenos said by attending training at the DTI and other government agencies, she is now producing coconut husks as organic fertilizer or coco pit and the shell as charcoal.

“In fact, I am receiving numerous orders for coco pit even among the agricultural supplies stores in Iloilo City,” she said in an interview.

Abel Pedro, head of the Latazon Indigenous People’s Organization in the Municipality of Laua-an, said that aside from the antifungal ointment they used to make, they are already making diuretic and cleansing teas.

“We are also in the process of obtaining the Food and Drug Administration approval for our other medicinal products for stomachache in capsule form,” he said. (PNA)