Aklan Piña & Fiber Festival Features Aklanon’s Creativity and Versatility

by AMBROSIO R. VILLORENTE

The 54th Anniversary of the Province of Aklan is being highlighted, among other activities, by the weeklong Aklan Piña & Fiber Festival (Fiber Fest) on 21 – 27 April . The main venue is The Trade Hall, Capitol Site in Kalibo, Aklan. The Opening Program and the Theme Unveiling were held on 21 April at 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon.

The Fiber Fest is featuring Aklanons creativity and versatility in producing premium quality products: piña, abaca, and raffia loomwoven fabrics and fashion accessories; gifts, furnishing, and decorative crafts; processed meat and fish products, bakery, and confectionary products; and ornamental plants, potted plants, and cutflowers. There are also various kinds of fruits, vegetables, marine products, and livestock meat.

Other exhibits are: 1. Contemporary Lifestyle Setting of Living Spaces, 2.One-Town-One Product (OTOP) booths of all 17 municipalities of Aklan, and 3. Agri-Aqua products of community-based organizations and agencies

Guests and visitors are enjoying the festive mood of the Fiber Fest at Tsibugan sa Kapitolyo with nightly dinner and entertainment events at the Provincial Capitol Grounds. Gastronomic, native and gourmet foods are being made available and served by local restaurants and concessionaires amidst live bands’ music.

The Fiber Fest is also a showcase of public and private partnership (PPP) led by the Provincial Government of Aklan, with the Congressional District Office, the Department of Trade, Fiber Industry Development Authority, the Aklan Piña Manufacturers and Traders Association, Inc., the Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc., and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. – Aklan Chapter.

This year’s VIP guest is Ms. Patis P. Tesoro, President of the Katutubong Filipino Foundation, Incorporated. Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores and Governor Carlito S. Marquez, who was represented by Atty. Diego M. Luces in the opening program, are leading the provincial officials and the people of Aklan in the celebration and festivities. /MP