DTI urged tourists to patronize green products

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Aklan has urged tourists to patronize green products in buying souvenirs.

Maria Carmen Iturralde, acting DTI Aklan provincial director, said that green products are widely available in the resort island as several entrepreneurs are already engaged ecopreneurship - businesses that use environment-friendly products.

“Tourists patronizing green products not only help entrepreneurs earn a living, but also helps in the sustainability of the environment,” Iturralde said.

Iturralde added that the quality of green products being sold by local entrepreneurs is already of quality standard because of its successful recent launching during the 17th Aklan Product Expo in Iloilo City.

The expo, dubbed as “Go Green”, was held at the Event Center of SM City Iloilo last October 7 to 13.

“The cash sales amounted to P1.07 million, booked sales at P7.4 million, orders under negotiation at P182,000, with the combined sales of P8.54 million,” said Iturralde.

Among the high-demand green product were coconut shell items and abaca twines, processed foods, wearables, among others.

The trade fair was supported by the DTI, Hugod Aklanon Producers Association Incorporated, Aklan Provincial Government and the Aklan Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council.