BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
Eleven micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Pangasinan proudly showcased their products at the International Food Expo (IFEX) 2025, held from May 22 to 24 in Metro Manila.
Dubbed as one of the country’s largest trade events for the food export industry, IFEX brings together international buyers to discover uniquely Filipino food products.
For Pangasinan’s local entrepreneurs, it was an opportunity to introduce their goods to a wider, global market.
Among the exhibitors was Anjo Farm Incorporated from San Fabian, known for their premium-quality Pangasinan bangus.
“In our supplying the whole world with a famous Pangasinan bangus, which I think is the best among all the bangus in the Philippines and Asia, it really helps that there are many expositions like this,” said Primo Quesada, owner of Anjo Farms, Inc.
First-time participants included Rotico Food Products Inc. from Mangaldan and Eldica Seafood Processing from Dagupan City.
“Romana is known for quality, so all our ingredients are handpicked. Our peanuts are locally harvested directly from the farmers,” said Maria Isabela Mendoza, production manager of Rotico.
Belma Carrera, CEO of Eldica, shared her excitement, “It’s such a joy to be part of IFEX. This is a big help for Eldica to be known internationally.”
The participation of Pangasinan MSMEs was made possible through Project Abound, an initiative started by Dr. Arlyn Grace V. Guico, mother of Governor Ramon V. Guico III.
The program aims to help local businesses produce high-quality products and access larger markets through expos.
In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the provincial government continues to equip MSMEs with knowledge and tools to thrive in global exhibitions.
“You might now be an MSME,” Governor Guico told participating entrepreneurs, “but your business should grow bigger.”
Through continued government support, Pangasinan MSMEs are finding their voice on the international stage.
