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Abra Trade Fair, a showcase of what the province has to offer

Bamboo products in different forms
Bamboo products in different forms

One of the highlights of the Abrenian Kawayan Festival, on the occasion of the province’s 98th Foundation Day is the provincial trade fair that saw many small and medium enterprises exhibiting including agricultural products by the different municipalities.

It’s quite an interesting trade exhibit as I got to see, especially the handicrafts made from bamboo which the province has promoted since the start of the festival, an abundant resource. These products ranged from traditional house wares that are meticulously made like baskets and dining/kitchen utensils, to engineered bamboo used as finishing and furniture.

Other than bamboo, there are also made from different materials locally available in the province like rattan. Foodstuff were also present like natural honey from the mountains and forests, processed food and sweets for pasalubong.

But I think one of the highly anticipated products are the handcrafted woven materials like loom woven abel Iloko, which, by the way, the province also supplies not only the local market but also traders to as far as Cebu.

What really caught my interest though are the traditional garb and weaving by the Illaud sub tribe of Itneg. There were really interesting traditional and functional cloth that were handed down from one generation to the next as well as antique textiles used in rituals being displayed (and sold).

I did buy a traditional baag, loincloth in natural indigo dye and worn for special occasions. Other than these, there were also traditional, antique and modern beadwork like necklaces and wrist bands available.

And finally, found tabungaw (gourd) hats made by a declared National Living Artist, Teofilo Garcia! I would say that I’ve been looking for this kind of hat and finally found it here in Abra!

Abra offers several handicrafts from different enterprises and if you’re interested, do contact the provincial DTI branch, contact number below.

Trade fair grounds
Trade fair grounds
Agricultural products fair from the different municipalities
Agricultural products fair from the different municipalities
Gourd hats made by Gawad ng Manlilikha ng Bayan Awardee Teofilo Garcia
Gourd hats made by Gawad ng Manlilikha ng Bayan Awardee Teofilo Garcia
Honey and handicrafts made by Abrenians from readily available materials
Honey and handicrafts made by Abrenians from readily available materials
Bamboo and rattan products in different form and for different use
Bamboo and rattan products in different form and for different use
Engineered bamboo as wood planks for cladding or finishing
Engineered bamboo as wood planks for cladding or finishing
Woven material ranging from Abel Iloko fabrics to Illaud (Itneg sub tribe) traditional weaving to antique and modern jewelry made from traditional and modern beads
Woven material ranging from Abel Iloko fabrics to Illaud (Itneg sub tribe) traditional weaving to antique and modern jewelry made from traditional and modern beads

Thanx to Vice Governor Chari Bersamin for the invitation to witness this important provincial event.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Abra
Ground Floor King David Palace Hotel
Capitulacion Street, Zone II
Bangued, Abra
+63 74 7528414

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7 thoughts on “Abra Trade Fair, a showcase of what the province has to offer”

  1. Cristina agustin

    Hi! I would like to know if abra also make bamboo fabrics like hand towels?
    I’d appreciate your answer the most. Thank you!

  2. Hello Cristina, that I’m not really sure. Haven’t seen these sa fair as most were woodstuff and decors.

  3. Mimi

    Hi Estan,

    My search for bamboo handicrafts landed me on your blog. Would you know any manufacturer or vendor of kawayan crafts such as baskets, trays, chimes, home decor, etc? Any information on how to contact them would be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

  4. Cristina T. Sanchez

    Sir ask ko lang if my mga cebu local products po kaya n made of sea shells n alam .salamat and God bless

  5. meron naman pero di ko lang alam saan. you might want to check with DTI or look for showrooms online?

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