VENDING MACHINE. A vending machine is set up at the Ilocos Norte Capitol lobby in Laoag City to promote local products in this undated photo. On Wednesday (June 29, 2022), Elma Gabriel, head of the city's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Office, said an incubation center will be established at the La Tabacalera Center to showcase more innovative products of the Ilocanos. (File photo by Leilanie Adriano)
LAOAG CITY – The province of Ilocos Norte will soon establish an "incubation center" here to showcase local products.
Located at the La Tabacalera Ilokano Lifestyle Center just across from the Provincial Capitol building, the project aims to engage local entrepreneurs to establish their innovative products to reach out to a wider market.
Elma Gabriel, head of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Office (MSMEO), said Wednesday the provincial government, through the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP or Provincial Board), has approved a total of PHP334,414.50 out of the more than PHP2 million for motor vehicle from the 2022 capital expenditure to purchase furniture and fixtures, equipment, and information and communication equipment.
“This is to cater to the development of start-up products of our local entrepreneurs,” said Gabriel.
Aside from housing local products, Gabriel said other support and services will be provided to the target beneficiaries including the provision of technical assistance, capability building, and entrepreneurial skills enhancement, enterprise management coaching, partnership and/or linkage, product branding, labeling, and marketing, product promotions, and the use of production areas, facilities, and equipment.
In support of the MSMEs, a one-stop shop called, "OneSTore hub", featuring world-class Ilocano products, was earlier put up at the Paseo de Paoay in the Second District of Ilocos Norte to help local food and non-food manufacturers link their products to end consumers.
The OneSTore hub features an e-commerce platform to assist MSMEs in expanding their market both locally and internationally.
The physical store also showcases locally-sourced products of the province with their corresponding prices, where buyers can add to cart and upon payment, these will be shipped to their given address in a few days. (PNA)
