LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Eleven Pangasinan local products will join the three-day International Food Expo (IFEX)2025 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on May 22 to 24.
The 11 exhibitors from the province will showcase their products in the country’s premier trade promotions program that aims to foster innovation in the food industry by bringing together local and international food, beverage, and ingredient industry players.
Gov. Ramon V. Guico III has extended his full support in bolstering the best Pangasinan local products since he started his term in July 2022.
Initially, he expressed his desire to revitalize the province’s renowned 3Bs – Bangus, Bagoong, Bucayo.
In his second term, the provincial government will further intensify its drive in promoting not just the local products but the best tourism sites in Pangasinan.
The exhibitors comprising the Pangasinan team for this year’s IFEX are as follows: Hou Yang Food Corp (bangus and chicken karaage); Elisha Bay Dagupan Bangus and Seafoods (processed bangus); Mama Cili Enterprises (bottled processed bangus).
The others are: Dimalupig and Gabriele Food Products Trading (sugarcane vinegar); Bernal Bagoong (bagoong products); Abundance Agri Tourism and Training Center, Inc. (organic agriculture products); Bantog Samahang Nayon MPC (dairy products); and Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corp. (ready to eat complimentary and fortified foods).
Three first-time exhibitors will take part this year, namely: Rotico Food Products (Romana peanut brittle); Eldica Seafood Processing (processed bangus); and Anjo Farms, Inc. (processed bangus).
“Romana is known for quality. Lahat ng niluluto namin, quality,” Maria Isabela Mendoza, production manager of Rotico Food Product and wife of former 2nd District Board Member Von Mark Mendoza, said.
Over the years, Romana peanut brittle has gained popularity and can also now be considered an heirloom local product.
In 2023, the provincial government, through the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO), partnered with Dr. Arlyn Grace V. Guico, founding president of Project Abound and mother of the governor, which saw some of Pangasinan’s export-quality locally manufactured products join the FAME Trade Exhibition.
Earlier, the provincial board crafted two ordinances – the establishment of a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade, Investment, and Exposition Center in Pangasinan and to institutionalize the participation of local MSMEs in the Manila Fame, the IFEX activities, and other similar trade expositions.
“Napakasaya na makasali sa IFEX. Malaking tulong ito para makilala ang ELDICA internationally (It is fun to join the IFEX. This is a big help in introducing ELDICA internationally),” said Belma T. Carrera, ELDICA Seafood Processing CEO as she expressed excitement for joining the exhibit for the first time.
(Ruby F. Rayat/JP de Vera PIMRO)
