The City of Manila and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur opened the “One Ilocos Sur Bazaar in Manila” on Tuesday morning, June 9, at the Kartilya ng Katipunan, bringing together farmers, fisherfolk, artisans, and MSMEs from the heritage province for a three-day showcase running until June 11.
Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said the bazaar reflects Manila’s role as a platform for the country’s agricultural and skills industries, noting that the capital’s population of two to three million makes it one of the largest consumer markets in the country.
“Gusto ko ang mga taga-Maynila maka-access ng magagandang produkto na kung minsan makikita natin medyo may bigat na ng presyo dala ng ilang palad na ang dinaanan,” Domagoso said, adding that through the initiative, Manileños can access good quality products directly from the producers themselves.
The event, organized by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM) led by City Tourism Officer Cristal Bagatsing, aims to give Manileños direct access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable Ilocos Sur products while helping local producers gain higher income by reducing marketing layers through direct selling.
The Mayor also said Manila’s hotels, restaurants, and market businesses stand to benefit from the bazaar through a business matching component, allowing them to source top-quality Ilocos Sur products at competitive prices.
The provincial government delegation representing Ilocos Sur Governor Jeremias “Jerry” C. Singson was joined by Board Member Janina Medina Fariñas and Santa Catalina Mayor Eugene Rapanut, along with a full team of municipal representatives from towns including Kabugao, Cervantes, San Juan, Santa, Santa Lucia, Santa Maria, and Sinait, among others.
Executive Assistant to the Governor, Atty. Janna Singson, said the partnership goes beyond providing a venue, describing it as an opportunity for farmers, fisherfolk, MSMEs, artisans, and local entrepreneurs to reach bigger markets.
“This partnership is more than providing a venue; it is creating opportunities for our farmers, fisherfolk, MSMEs, artisans, and local entrepreneurs,” Singson said, inviting Manileños to visit Ilocos Sur and experience its UNESCO-recognized heritage sites, natural attractions, and festivals firsthand.
