(from left) DTI Aklan OIC Provincial Director Ma. Carmen I. Iturralde, DTI-6 Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon, City Mall Boracay Marketing Assistant Sheena Nepomuceno Tumaob, DTI Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group (ROG) Zenaida C. Maglaya, and DTI VI OIC IDD Ma. Dinda R. Tamayo during the opening of the Bagong Buhay Boracay Showcase.

The DTI – Aklan Provincial Office launched the “Bagong Buhay Boracay Product Showcase” at the City Mall Boracay in time for the soft opening of Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan on 26 October 2018.

A total of 49 exhibitors participated in the product showcase.

The exhibit featured the products made by MSMEs and workers affected by the Boracay Island rehabilitation. Alongside, local artisans had the chance to showcase their artistic skills during the event.

The three-day product showcase, which opened on 26 to 28 October, generated a total sales amounting to P411,956.00, of which P111,956 was in cash sales and P300,000 was in booked orders.

DTI Undersecretary for ROG Zenaida C. Maglaya checks on the crafts of Boracay Island MSME’s during the product showcase.

Moreover, DTI Aklan likewise distributed starter kits for displaced workers of Boracay Island under its Livelihood Seeding Program. And, a mini exhibit featuring Boracay Island and Aklan products was held at Cagban Port.

DTI Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Zenaida Cuison-Maglaya and DTI-6 Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon graced the activity together with the MSMEs, DTI staff, and guests.

A ceremonial distribution of starter kits to an initial of 41 beneficiaries was conducted after the opening program of product showcase. A total of 225 beneficiaries will be given starter kits for siomai making, puto pao making, screen printing, sewing, paper beads making, soap making, candle making, handmade paper making, and for crochet and hand embroidery.

This activity is under the DTI’s Livelihood Seeding Program for Displayed Workers in Boracay as the agency’s support to the government’s rehabilitation efforts in bringing back to normal the business activities in the island.

Undersecretary Maglaya and Director Rascon were hopeful that the starter kits extended to the beneficiaries will serve as a catalyst in bringing more opportunities and vibrant economic activities in the island.

DTI Undersecretary for ROG Zenaida C. Maglaya and DTI-6 Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon present the products of Boracay Island and Aklan MSMEs to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sec. Roy Cimatu and Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat at the Bagong Buhay Boracay Product Showcase booth during the opening of the island on 26 October.

“When one door closes, a window opens,” said Usec. Maglaya as she encourages the recipients to remain steadfast in all adversities and to make use of this opportunity to grow.

The top officials both expressed their appreciation for the efforts of the DTI-Aklan team headed by OIC Provincial Director Ma. Carmen I. Iturralde, together with the cooperation of the stakeholders and partners.♦