Iloilo: Various Aklan products, led by its renowned pi±a fibers, are taking center stage in the Aklan Product Expo, which officially opened at SM City here on Wednesday afternoon. The event, which runs until Oct. 19, features products of 36 micro, small, and medium enterprises from Aklan. It is part of the marketing initiatives of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).
According to Philippines News Agency, DTI Aklan Director Romel Amihan announced that Aklan pi±a was awarded a Certificate of Geographical Indication (GI) Registration by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), making it the third GI-certified product in the country and second in Western Visayas, following Guimaras mango. “This milestone not only honors our cultural heritage but also strengthens the market positioning and legal protection of our weavers and local producers,” he said. The certificate was formally awarded in a ceremony in Kalibo, Aklan on Sept. 19 by the IPOPHL, led by Director General Brigitte Da Costa-Villaluz and Jesus Antonio Ros of the Bureau of Trademarks.
The GI seal certifies that authentic Aklan pi±a products comply with a Manual of Specifications covering raw materials, fiber extraction, traditional weaving methods, and product labeling. ‘Pi±a is synonymous with Aklan, and this award goes beyond showcasing its finery; it is a label of the artisans’ craft, enduring, culture-rich and resilient – that also embodies the geographical attributes of Aklan and the Aklanons,” DTI 6 OIC-Regional Director Ma. Dinda Tamayo said in a statement. The designation is expected to enhance export competitiveness, provide higher value for artisans and farmers, and shield the industry from imitations.
In December 2023, the pi±a weaving tradition gained global recognition with its inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) List. Meanwhile, this year’s expo marked its second year since its resumption last year as part of the 1st Kalibo Habol Pi±a Festival. “This year, we proudly feature 36 Aklanon micro, small, and medium enterprises as they explore fresh opportunities in the City of Love,” Amihan said.
He said the products represent the rich and diverse culture of Aklan, from timeless pi±a creations and intricately handcrafted home decor and wearables, to coconut-based innovations and beloved delicacies and pasalubong. “Their products reflect not only ingenuity and craftsmanship but the very heart and soul of Aklan. May this expo open doors to new markets, lasting partnerships, and continued success for our beloved Aklan,” he added. The product expo targets to generate some PHP3.3 million.
