DTI: Local food an emerging attraction in Boracay

Foods that are produced by the local entrepreneurs in the province are the emerging attraction in this resort island says the Department of Trade and Industry.

Maricar Iturralde, DTI acting provincial director, said during the monthly forum with the media held Friday, May 31, 2019 that tourists coming to Boracay has started to be attracted in buying locally made foods.

Prior to the media forum, the DTI has launched the One Town One Product (OTOP) Next Generation at the D' Mall on April 26. It also launched similar activity in Kalibo, the capitol town of the province.

“During the Aklan Fiber Festival at the Provincial Capitol (April 24-29), local entrepreneurs who participated in the exhibit reported of earning around P12,954,395.25 both in cash and booked orders. Most of those exhibited were locally made foods,” said Iturralde.

Among the best sellers of locally made foods were banana chips and processed foods such as choriizo and longanisa. In the old days, tourists coming in this resort island enjoys food coming from different countries such as Chinese, South Korean among others.

To further promote the emerging local food as a tourist attraction especially in this resort island, the DTI has also partnered with the Department of Tourism.

“Clients can now also order the foods online through the online application called OneAklan,” she added.

The DTI also urged other entrepreneurs in the province to venture in food production as the demands increases.

Because of the emerging demands of locally made foods among the tourists, an entrepreneur in Kalibo is also eyeing to branch out in Boracay before 2019 ends.

Jess Fernandez, owner of Cafe de Calivo, said that they are currently scouting a place in Boracay for the establishment of their new branch.

Cafe de Calivo which promotes food and heritage offers foods that are unique in the province