Leyte’s products have new showroom at provincial capitol grounds

TACLOBAN CITY, Feb. 29 (PNA) –- After a successful showcase at the Eastern Visayas Bahandi Trade Fair at the SM Mega Trade Mall and at the OTOP (One Town, One Product) Store in Makati last year, Leyte’s local delicacies, sweet treats and native crafts are now on display at the newly launched Products Showroom of the Leyte Treats of Ethnic Foods & Crafts Association (LeyTEFCA).

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) helped LEYTEFCA in launching the Product Display Center at the Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCC) office lobby within the provincial capitol grounds, this city.

USAID Rebuild’s team leader for its livelihood component Celso Enriquez gave his message of support during the short ceremony, citing the private sector’s invaluable support to the livelihood recovery process.

Trina Dacuycuy from the DOT showed her enthusiasm as she said, “We are promoting not just our destinations but also our local trade products. We always believe in the value of our products in Eastern Visayas from the taste of the delicacies to the quality of our handicrafts.”

LEYTEFCA president Femy Delute spoke in behalf of the 17-member organization and expressed their gratitude to the government and non-government offices who have supported the producers to become the active organization it is today.

The provincial government of Leyte likewise provided financial assistance to LEYTEFCA during their Bahandi stint in Manila, it was learned.

Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla earlier said the province is keen on helping its small entrepreneurs who help provide livelihood out of local products, as well as help promote the province’s and the region’s identity.

The Department of Labor and Employment also provided assistance to the group through the DOLE Livelihood Assistance.

LeyTEFCA’s products include Yongi Sukang Waray, Atsara ni Lola Aning, Puro Tablea, cornstarch cookies, butter cookies, cinamon cookies & pastillas all from Carigara town; roscas and torta from Barugo; corioso, hopia de pili, pili nuts, key chains and souvenir items from Tacloban City; moron from Abuyog; binagol from Dagami; mango jam, pina jam, jackfruit jam. 

Other products are camote chips, karlang chips, gabi chips, banna chips, binagol tart, choco moron tart, Lechon ni Timo, tubahalin, vino de coco, peanut butter, chicharon, cassava cakes and polvoron from Alangalang; Greal's rubber sandals from Dulag; tikog bags, banig, siphid or soft brooms from Tanauan; cassava chips, pineapple pie from Baybay City; dried fish from Capoocan; and mango jam, piña jam, and langka jam also from Tacloban. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR