The local government of Valencia town in Negros Oriental is stepping up promotions of local products to help farmers and other small industry workers rack up more revenues from bigger markets.

Mayor Edgar Teves Jr. on Friday led the opening ceremony of the town’s Pasalubong Center at the Tourism building near the municipal hall where various products will be on display for free.

“Valencia is rich not only with raw materials for product development but also with skilled and talented human resources so we are helping them through the Tourism Office to find ways to broaden their horizons and one way for that is to display their goods at the Pasalubong Center,” he said.

The Pasalubong Center would be a venue to connect potential markets from out-of-town and local producers and suppliers.

At a press conference, Teves said the town has plenty of local dairy supply and contributes about 60 percent of the province’s milk requirements.

Meanwhile, Councilor Juna May Teves said the Pasalubong Center is a “dream come true” for Valencianons as in the past, there was no place to showcase the town’s local products and souvenirs.

Priority will be given to local farmers and suppliers whom she encouraged to display their products at the center to promote them beyond the usual and already popular Sunday market at the town plaza.

Desiderio Tilos Jr., Valencia tourism officer, said more or less 200 local farmers, producers, and suppliers market their goods in the town and elsewhere.

Many of them are from the food sector and are engaged in food processing, such as banana and cassava chips; “budbod,” a delicacy made of glutinous rice wrapped in banana leaves; virgin coconut oil; “tableya” or ground cacao paste or bars; powdered ginger and similar natural/organic health drinks; pastries; chocolate candy bars; organic herbs and spices; and vinegar.

Also on display are native crafts, such as bags, slippers, lamp shades, placemats, and decors made of locally sourced materials, such as bamboo.

Vivian Vicuña-Gonzalez, president of the Valencia Local Council of Women, meanwhile, said many women who belong to organized groups undergo skills training that provides them with livelihood, such as the manufacturing of eco-bags.

They are also encouraged to use bamboo for placemats and other handicrafts as this industry can certainly bring in income for the women, she said.

Meanwhile, the mayor said they, together with the city council, are still deliberating on the One Town, One Product (OTOP) for Valencia, considering that there are now many contenders for the title.

The Pasalubong Center will be open the whole week during office hours, Tilos said. (PNA)