CITY OF MALOLOS—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Office here is set to launch this week kiosks that are to feature the distinctive products of Central Luzon.

DTI Regional Information Officer Wilfred Carbonell said the “Likha ng Central Luzon” (LCL) kiosks, which are to be officially introduced to the public during the opening of the 13th LCL trade fair from Oct. 19 to 23 at the Megatrade Hall 2 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

The kiosks are to be placed in strategic areas around Central Luzon, including the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, hotels, casinos, display centers in Clark and Subic, and gasoline stations in the North Luzon Expressway.

Carbonell said around 150 micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) are expected to join the 2011 edition of the LCL fair with the theme “Where creativity blends with nature!”

Rhine Aldana, Bulacan’s DTI provincial head, said the trade fair focuses on going “green.”

Globally competitive, genuine and innovative creations by Central Luzon artisans that include home furnishings, house wares and wearable products, made of renewable eco-friendly and sustainable raw materials together with healthy and delectable processed food products will be highlighted in the affair, Aldana said.

Among the products to be sold in the kiosks include hats, bags, and handicrafts of Aurora, tuyo and tinapa of Bataan, barongs and gowns of Bulacan, longganisa and tocino of Nueva Ecija, lanterns and pastries of Pampanga, bamboo-engineered products and crocheted and knitted garments of Tarlac, and dried fruits and fruit jams of Zambales.

The event will highlight fresh ideas and premium products of MSMEs from the seven provinces of Central Luzon, namely Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales.

The yearly “Likha ng Central Luzon” is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry in Region 3, PhilExport-3, the Regional Development Council and the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. to provide local MSMEs with the needed exposure as they are groomed to be the next generation of exporters.

For the past 12 years, “Likha ng Central Luzon ” has been recognized as one of the best avenues for the MSMEs to promote their unique, quality and world-class products to buyers and exporters.

National and regional dignitaries, major stakeholders and other staunch supporters will grace the opening of the fair as they take pride and look forward with optimism for a more progressive Philippines.

Last year’s LCL fair generated total sales of P42.399 million.