Alabang: At least 60 exhibitors from different provinces in the Cordillera are joining the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-initiated IMPAKABSAT fair from Nov. 28 to Dec. 7 at the Corousel Court in Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lawyer Samuel Gallardo, assistant regional director of the DTI in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), mentioned that they are targeting a total of PHP24 million in sales this year, which is similar to last year’s. Sales in 2024 totaled PHP23 million, with furniture being the top grosser. “We hope to achieve more sales, which will benefit the region’s MSMEs,” Gallardo said.
IMPAKABSAT is named from the six provinces of the region — Ifugao, Mountain Province, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, Benguet — and “kabsat”, meaning brother or sister. The annual trade fair features products such as furniture, home furnishings, wearables, accessories, food, and other items made by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.
Gallardo noted that aside from the display and sale of various products, there will be daily demonstrations of backstrap weaving, basketry, and traditional tattoo, or ‘batok’. There will also be market matching for clients interested in becoming distributors or exporters of the products.
Gallardo stated, ‘IMPAKABSAT remains as one of the longest-running regional trade fairs in the Philippines, and the 33rd will feature new designs from CAR’s creative sector, as well as products produced by our SSF (shared service facility) beneficiaries.’ Held yearly before the holiday season, the IMPAKABSAT trade fair gives the general public alternative gift items for their loved ones and friends.
Gallardo emphasized that the 60 MSMEs from CAR have been vetted and are working towards expanding their markets domestically and abroad. The IMPAKABSAT is a platform to achieve their goals, he added. Meanwhile, he noted that there will also be additional booths for the Muntinlupa MSMEs, E-Commerce Bureau, and Department of Migrant Workers.
