The Aklan Product Expo, featuring Aklan’s renowned piña fibers and other local products, officially opened at SM City on Wednesday and will run until October 19. The event showcases items from 36 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as part of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan’s marketing initiatives under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).
DTI Aklan Director Romel Amihan announced during the opening that Aklan piña has received a Certificate of Geographical Indication (GI) from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), making it the third GI-certified product nationally and the second in Western Visayas, following Guimaras mango. He stated, “This milestone not only honors our cultural heritage but also strengthens the market positioning and legal protection of our weavers and local producers.” The GI seal ensures that authentic Aklan piña products meet specific standards for raw materials, fiber extraction, weaving, and labeling. DTI 6 OIC-Regional Director Ma. Dinda Tamayo added, “Piña 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.”
This year’s expo, the second since its resumption as part of the Kalibo Habol Piña Festival, aims to boost export competitiveness, provide value for artisans, and protect against imitations. Aklan piña weaving was also recognized globally when added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in December 2023. Amihan highlighted the event’s focus, saying, “This year, we proudly feature 36 Aklanon micro, small, and medium enterprises as they explore fresh opportunities in the City of Love.” He further noted, “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.”
The expo features a diverse range of Aklan products, including piña creations, handcrafted decor, wearables, coconut-based innovations, delicacies, and souvenirs, with an expected revenue of PHP3.3 million.
