Pandemic-hit IN entreps get huge boost

August 1, 2020 Provincial

Micro, small and medium enterprises in Ilocos Norte have begun getting huge support via its ‘Buy IN’ project from the Ilocos Norte provincial government through the Ilocos Norte Trade & Investment Office (Invest).
Inspired by the unique “bayanihan” culture of the Filipinos, ‘Buy Ilocos Norte’ or ‘Buy IN’, is the digital platform of the provincial government to regulate and promote potential and existing local businesses by providing them e-marketing strategies and consultations.
“Dahil sa pandemiya ay nag-shift ang mga local entrepreneurs natin from doing their business in a physical store to digital market or e-commerce. Kaya dito sa Buy IN, tutulungan natin ang mga entrepreneurs sa pag-promote ng kanilang mga produkto hindi lang sa probinsiya kundi pati rin sa labas. We will also offer free marketing consultations to them as to how to position their products, set prices, determine the appropriate packaging, and more,” INvest Product Development & Marketing Officer Ace Rumbaoa explained.
‘Buy IN’ is comprised of three phases; the creation of Facebook page and conduct of tutorial videos, invasion to popular online selling platforms such as Lazada and Shopee, and the establishment of “Kabuhayan Para sa Lahat, Lingkod ng Gobyernong Probinsiyal ng Ilocos Norte” (KABALIKAT nINyo) which will provide business to repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Also, under Phase I is the operation of ‘Buy IN Bazaar’ that will gather a limited number of partner merchants to sell their products to be launched on July 29-31, 2020 at the lobby of the provincial capitol building.
“Kung maaari, priority natin yung mga nawalan ng trabaho, yung mga ‘no work, no pay’ ang scheme sa trabaho, at yung mga potential entrepreneurs na kasisimula lang ng online business dahil walang ibang pagkukukunan ng ikabubuhay. Sa ngayon ay ongoing ang registration ng ating mga applicants via our Facebook page: ‘Buy Ilocos Norte’,” Rumbaoa added.
Among the preferred enterprises include artisanal and homegrown brands and products such as inabel products, accessories, home-cooked meals and desserts, locally processed meat, and rice coffee, among others.
There will be monthly pop-up shops to revive small businesses by helping them put up their booths and generate income. “One of our goals is also to have pop-up shops every month in strategic places in the province.
Ace Alegre/ABN