La trinidad: The municipal government is set to showcase products of its micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in national and international fairs, as well as during official overseas engagements of local officials. Municipal Cooperative and Youth Development officer Orly Pacya said the initiative aims to gain international recognition for La Trinidad-made products.

According to Philippines News Agency, the plan includes promoting strawberry products and by-products, highland vegetables, cut flowers, wearables, coffee, and cacao not only nationwide but also abroad. To raise product standards, the municipal government is providing training on product development, labeling, and packaging. MSMEs are also offered free capacity-building programs and up to PHP50,000 worth of supplies and materials as a loan. If these enterprises prove sustainable over two years, the support will be converted into a grant.

As part of the MSME Week celebration, additional skills training in backstrap weaving, jewelry making, and rattan weaving will be offered to provide entrepreneurs with alternative and supplemental income sources. Mayor Roderick Awingan emphasized the importance of assisting these enterprises to start, improve, succeed, and grow, as they generate jobs and pay taxes, thereby benefiting the municipality.

Meanwhile, Awingan mentioned that La Trinidad is on track to becoming a city, highlighting that the capital town is already functioning like one. He noted that the latest census recorded 147,000 residents, slightly short of the 150,000 requirement, but the daytime population ranges between 200,000 and 250,000. The municipality's income surpasses the requirement, driven by agriculture-related activities, restaurants, MSMEs, and renewable energy ventures such as Aboitiz's mini-hydro power plants.

Once the requirements are formally met, Awingan stated that a law must be passed for the conversion, followed by a plebiscite to ratify the change.