Tatak Tarlac lands at IFFT Japan

MANILA, Philippines — Through the years, Tarlaqueños have shown that their determination in times of trying challenges have united them, in spite of their cultural diversity. 

Tarlac, which is largely known as an agricultural province, seeks to develop its SMEs and reach out to other markets so that the province’s potential may further be enhanced.

As Tarlac is one of the most multicultural provinces in the country, the fusion of different cultures has brought about a diversity of arts and crafts, from a wide array of terracotta pots and innovative lanterns to intricately designed furniture and colorful and safe educational toys. 

“Whenever I go around Tarlac, I always hear that we need jobs and our entrepreneurs need access to more markets,” shares Tarlac Governor Susan Yap.  As a result of such a call, Gov. Yap brought eight SMEs — namely, Betis Crafts Inc; CB Creativity Manufacturing; North Shine Enterprises; Oricon Corporation; Pascasio Pottery; Pumice Unlimited Ventures; Red Slab Pottery and RJ South Western Design — to display their furniture and crafts in the 54-sq.-meter booth of Tarlac at IFFT.  It is the first time that a local government unit has taken part in such an event.  Gov. Yap collaborated with We-Link, the organizer of IFFT in the Philippines, for its participation in the fair in Japan.  

“It took us one year to develop our SMEs, which have the potential to penetrate the international market, and that is why we are here now,” she adds.  “It took us a year and a half of preparations and one month working with CITEM, which helped us develop the products for the Japanese market.”

Yap chose to join the IFFT because 2020 is Olympics year in Japan and there may be a need for products like those produced in Tarlac.

“I am hopeful that what we have produced in Tarlac will be what the market needs,” she adds.  “I believe in our SMEs and they need the exposure to the international market where they can promote and advertise their crafts.  Our people have the passion for their products and I think that will propel them to be able to tap this market.”

Developing a New Image

According to Yap, there is a need to change the current image of Tarlac: “Tarlac is not just a midway stop to Baguio — there’s more to Tarlac,” she says.  “I want to change this image.  We have created ‘Tatak Tarlac’ so that we can also be known not only for our agricultural products but also for our arts and crafts.”

Yap shares that one of the things she learned at the recently concluded ASEAN conference in the Philippines is that there is a need to mentor the SMEs.  She adds that the best people to mentor SMEs in the provinces are the Local Government Units — and so she brought the best of Tarlac’s SMEs to Japan. 

“That is what we are doing here, giving them an opportunity to reach the bigger markets and build new partnerships.”

The IFFT Fair Tarlac delegation included members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Gov. Carlito David and seven board members: Antonio Cervantes Jr., Jude Joseph David, Harmes Sembrano, Henry Cruz, Alain Carlo Sawit, Enrico De Leon, Arnold Arcilla, SP Secretary Nelia De Guzman; Local Government Units (LGUs) represented by their mayors were Tarlac City Mayor Ma. Cristina Angeles, Capas Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan, Camiling Mayor Erlon Agustin, Concepcion Mayor Andres Lacson, Moncada Mayor Estelita Aquino, Pura Mayor Concepcion Zarate, San Clemente Mayor Elma Macadamia, Sta.  Ignacia Mayor Nora Modomo, San Jose administrator Romeo Capitulo, and Anao representative Joey Astrero.

“I want them to see that is it important to support the local SMEs.  I want them to understand why we are investing in this endeavor.”

Tarlac is also the biggest exporter of okra to Japan from the Philippines with total exports of 10 million kilos a year.  Yap adds that the province is also developing other vegetable products like saluyot, ginger, squash and sweet potato for tempura in Japan. 

“I am developing more programs for arts, culture and entrepreneurship,” adds Yap.  “I want to be known as a province that produces world-class products that we can be proud of.  We have good craftspeople in Tarlac and I am very proud of them.”