PASAY CITY, Philippines — Ten micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Pangasinan proudly showcased their world-class creations as the prestigious Manila FAME opened on October 16, 2025 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.
Representing the province were Olly + Fely by KNPH (Bolinao), RAJ Handicrafts (BANI), E-Kawayan Factory (Alaminos City), Gemma’s Souvenir Shop (Alaminos City), Lapey Loom Weaving Manufacturing (Umingan), Ilokana Handicraft (San Manuel), BLADES (Pozorrubio), Alma’s Handicraft (Pozorrubio), Bandulf Industries (San Carlos City), and Crafter’s Joy Cornhusk Products (Basista).
In his interview, Governor Ramon V. Guico III expressed pride in how far Pangasinan’s local artisans have come since the province’s first participation in 2023. “Nakakatuwa kasi when we started it was a struggle because medyo tough yung process of joining sa Manila FAME. Kaya malapit yung puso natin dito. If we promote industries such as this one, they could themselves generate employment for the province. ‘Yan yung kanyang effect sa ating local economy,” Governor Guico said.
The governor is also open to the idea of establishing a shared facility for artisans and entrepreneurs in Pangasinan to provide them access to tools that would enhance the province’s creative industry. “Most of the entrepreneurs don’t have the financial capability to buy equipment needed for their production. We just have to get the guidance on how to run it, which sort of equipment we need to buy, how much their maintenance will be, so that this will be shared to our public and local entrepreneurs,” he added.
Project Abound founder Dr. Arlyn Grace Guico was also optimistic about the growth and transformation of local MSMEs over the years. “Nakakatuwa ang MSMEs kasi every year nag-e-evolve yung products. Gumaganda at dekalidad na, pwede nang panlaban sa international market. We have to showcase the products of Pangasinan. Otherwise, they don’t know us,” Dr. Guico said.
Through Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO), Pangasinan Public Employment Services Office (PESO), DTI Pangasinan and Project Abound, the provincial government continues to conduct product development activities and market linkage programs to ensure locally-made products can meet global standards while still reflecting the province’s rich culture.
By joining international trade fairs like Manila FAME and IFEX Philippines, Pangasinan continues to open doors for its local artisans and keeps moving toward a future of sustainable economic growth.
(Danna Laureano, Photos by JP De Vera | PIMRO)
