After missing a year of its physical implementation, the IMPAKABSAT Regional Trade Fair found its way back to Festival Mall, Alabang for its 26th run from 12 – 21 November 2021.
The IMPAKABSAT Regional Trade Fair is an annual celebration of only the best products from the Cordilleras. It was conceptualized a year after the 1990 “Killer Earthquake” that left the City of Baguio and other provinces in the region in shambles. The first run of the IMPAKABSAT served as a platform and opportunity for our kakailyans to recover and restart again after the calamity. As the years went by, the project evolved from a mere trade fair to a celebration and exposition of upland culture as well as tourism and investment potential of the region. It has turned into a hallmark of the indigenous manufacturing industry.
The word IMPAKABSAT stands for the region’s six provinces, namely, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, Benguet, and the city of Baguio. Completed with the Ilocano word “kabsat” which means brother or sister—IMPAKABSAT is a perfect showcase of the Cordilleran camaraderie and culture. With the continuing onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic around the world, the culture of impakabsatan has been seen in various efforts of individuals, groups, and organizations to help each other throughout the pandemic.
With the tagline, “Only the Best from the Cordilleras”, the trade fair showcases premium items from 72 exhibitors from the region. From ethnic novelty items, gifts, house wares, food items, hand woven products, bamboo crafts, furniture, and collectible antiques, the trade show gives you an image of the Cordillera scenery, tradition, and culture. The trade fair showcases the ingenious and innovative products that are distinct only in the mountains of Cordillera.
During its opening program, Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona of DTI Regional Operations Group in her keynote speech praised the people of Cordillera, “Our brave Cordilleran MSMEs deserve our praise for they look beyond the difficulties and see the boundless opportunities that are opening up despite the pandemic. You are embracing new technologies, learning new skills, exploring new markets, and becoming even more competitive. I believe these will be the new foundations of your future success, and we in the DTI want to assure that you can count on us for assistance. As always, our battle cry is Trabaho, Negosyo, at Konsyumer.”
Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-Naga also commended the contributions of Cordillera MSMEs and OTOPreneurs in sharing the culture of the region. “What we are aiming is more than profit—our goal is always heart-driven that entails passion to our mission to promote a sense of nationalism, showcase our culture, and help our communities,” she said.
This year, IMPAKABSAT has made its products accessible to physical and online consumers. Visit the IMPAKABSAT Trade Fair at the Carousel Grounds, Festival Mall, Alabang. You may also check the fair’s Facebook page at https://web.facebook.com/IMPAKABSAT and checkout the products featured in the pages Commerce profile for online orders. ♦
Date of Release: 23 November 2021