Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc led a provincial trade delegation to Manila City Hall on Monday, bringing agricultural products directly to the city’s hotels, restaurants, and cafes in a trade mission he said was built on old-school farming and guaranteed quality.
The showcase, hosted by Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso during the city’s weekly flag-raising ceremony, featured Ilocos Norte goods including bagnet, empanada, longganisa, and fresh produce. Among the institutional buyers present were representatives from Diamond Hotel, Bayview Park Hotel, Aviary Cafe, and Grand Cafe 1919.
Manotoc personally guaranteed the quality of every product at the showcase, telling buyers he would handle any complaint himself.
“Sa amin po, walang shortcut. We farm the right way, the old school way. We can guarantee the quality, and if not, ako na po bahala, ako na po ang mag-e-exchange or magre-reimburse kung may reklamo po,” he said.
Domagoso welcomed the delegation and reframed the trade mission as a mutual benefit—not a favor extended to the province, but the other way around. He said Manila gains direct access to high-quality fresh produce at lower prices, while Ilocano farmers get a better market and a fairer price for their goods.
“They thought that we’re doing them a favor. No, it’s the other way around. They are doing us a favor by bringing their goods, agricultural products, and all other products from the provinces being showcased, and Manila has access to high-quality fresh produce from their respective locality and quality goods with a good price,” Domagoso said.
The mayor added that when provincial suppliers sell directly to institutional buyers, improved margins benefit businesses—which in turn hire more workers and generate more business tax revenue for the city.
Manotoc said the trade mission was arranged after he visited City Hall in October last year to personally request that Manila host the delegation.
He also extended a tourism invitation to Manila residents and city employees, urging them to visit Ilocos Norte’s beaches, sand dunes, and highlands.
“This is not an empty invite; please, please come visit Ilocos Norte. We will show you the very hospitality that you have shown us this morning,” Manotoc said.
