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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Eleven Pangasinan-made products will take the spotlight at the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) 2025, scheduled from May 22 to 24 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
The three-day event is the country's leading trade promotion platform for the food and beverage industry. It showcases innovations and fosters collaboration by bringing together local and international players from the food, beverage and ingredient sectors.
Gov. Ramon Guico III has been a staunch supporter of Pangasinan's finest products, particularly those developed by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), since the beginning of his term in July 2022.
Among the Pangasinan MSMEs participating in IFEX 2025 are Hou Yang Food Corp. (bangus and chicken karaage), Elisha Bay Dagupan Bangus and Seafoods (processed bangus), and Mama Cili Enterprises (bottled processed bangus).
Other exhibitors include Dimalupig and Gabriele Food Products Trading (sugarcane vinegar), Bernal Bagoong (bagoong products), Abundance Agri Tourism and Training Center Inc. (organic agricultural products), Bantog Samahang Nayon Multipurpose Cooperative (dairy products), and Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corp. (ready-to-eat complementary and fortified foods).
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Three MSMEs are joining the trade fair for the first time. These are Rotico Food Products, known for the popular Romana peanut brittle; Eldica Seafood Processing (processed bangus); and Anjo Farms Inc. (processed bangus).
"Romana is known for quality. Everything we make is of high quality," said Maria Isabela Mendoza, production manager of Rotico Food Products and wife of former 2nd district board member Von Mark Mendoza.
Over the years, Romana peanut brittle has earned a reputation for being one of Pangasinan's heirloom products.
Natalia Dalaten, assistant regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry Region 1, said this marks the second time Pangasinan will take part in the event, made possible in large part by the provincial government's sustained commitment to supporting local enterprises.
"Two key ordinances passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan last January have changed the game," Dalaten said.
Provincial Ordinance 342 institutionalized local MSME participation in national and international trade shows, while Provincial Ordinance 343 established the Pangasinan MSME Trade Investment and Exposition Center, which will rise in the town of Manaoag.
In 2023, the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office partnered with Dr. Arlyn Grace Guico, mother of the governor, to showcase Pangasinan's export-quality products at Manila FAME, the country's premier trade show for quality home, fashion and lifestyle products.
Dr. Guico is also the founding president of Project Abound, a private sector initiative that helps promote local artisans and producers who use locally sourced materials.
"It is a great joy to be part of IFEX. This is a big opportunity for Eldica to gain international recognition," said Belma Carrera, chief executive officer of Eldica Seafood Processing, as she shared her excitement about their first time participating in the event.
