Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from this province will showcase new wearable designs, homewares and other innovations at the National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) in Manila on Oct. 23 to 29.

“The MSMEs, which have availed of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Antique training, came up with new designs for their local products to be displayed at the NACF,” Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist Gevi Kristina Villafuerte said in an interview on Tuesday.

Among the products are patadyong or handwoven fabric from Antique sewn into apparel like shoes, and bamboo products, such as trays and baskets.

Francia Tongol, owner of one of the 18 MSMEs participating in the fair, said she prepared kimono-type blazers made of patadyong.

“The blazers will be comfortable to wear,” she said.

She said that she is optimistic about making a big sale since the training she received from DTI, such as marketing, product design and innovation, helped improve her products.

“I started to make sandals and bags made of patadyong only, but I am now making apparel and blazers,” she said.

Another participant, Irele Mahimpit, will display new designs of her bamboo craft.

“I am now excited to join the NACF and show my newly designed baskets and other homewares,” she said. (PNA)