by L. Lopez

Tabuk City, Kalinga (21 July) -- Kalinga exhibitors to the Luzon Island Trade Fair at the SM Mega Mall brought home a total sales of P836,176, the highest this year, among the participating provinces of the Cordillera region.

Benita Mangadap of the Department of Trade and Industry provincial office, who led the exhibitors to the July 9-13 inter-regional fair, said this year's sales by the province is really a big haul.

Next with the highest sales was Abra with P349,295, followed by the province of Apayao with P256,345; Mt. Province - P77,475; Benguet - P50,900 and Ifugao -P27,370. The top performer last year was the province of Abra, Mangadap said.

This is the third time that the DTI organized the annual Luzon Island Fair, where exhibitors from the various regions participate with their indigenous products.

Among the top performers of the province's exhibitors include Ayatu's Ethnic Craft with P347,750; Praj's Gift Shop and Gen. Merchandise - P173,291; Nor-Ref Processed Food Products - P102,832; Ness'a Kalinga Weaving -P65,728; Our Tribe Food Products -P54,120; Tribal Heritage -P48,800; Mikah's Weaving -P28,295 and Kalinga Food Treat - P15,360.

The fair showcasing a wide array of locally-produced items is part of the country's program to promote the One Town One Product (OTOP) project aiming to assist small entrepreneurs in the country.

Aside from creating market outlets to small traders, DTI also provides other technical assistance on product development where trainings on packaging and designs are provided.