Potato crackers, machetes, and more.

These items are some of the products that seven micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) displayed for a trade fair at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol spearheaded by women.

One of the participants is an association of women in Barangay Salngan, Municipality of Oton in Iloilo that takes pride in their “hablon” (loom-woven) products.

Zita Rosario, a customer, from the Province of Pangasinan, who was on vacation in Iloilo said she could not help from purchasing a coin purse for its attractive design and functionality.

“Na-ano yung mata ko sa lalagyan ng coins. Ganda ng kulay. At saka maraming mailagay dahil hindi siya bulky,” Zita said.

The purse that Zita bought is among the products handcrafted by members of a women’s group from the Municipality of Alimodian.

Aside from purses, the group also sold woven bamboo baskets, among many indigenous-inspired products.

“Ginagawa namin nang maayos. Nagagandahan naman ang mga nakakakita,” Celia Castillo, a seller and member of the women's group, said.

The activity dubbed “Tiendas Ilonggas” is part of the Women’s Month celebration that aims to strengthen MSMEs initiated by members of women’s associations.

“When you empower a woman or a women’s group, you empower an entire society,” said Aulynn Yue Sin, head of the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion (LEDIP) of the Iloilo Provincial Government.

Proceeds from the trade fair will be used by the women's associations as additional capital.