LAMUT, Ifugao — The local government unit (LGU) of Lamut, in a strategic partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has officially opened the Rambakan Festival 2026 trade fair, providing a month-long platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase the best of Ifugao’s homegrown products.
Located at the Lamut Trading Post in Mabato-bato, the fair was inaugurated on Tuesday, March 17 and is scheduled to run until April 17. The event serves as a centerpiece of the town’s annual festivity, blending cultural celebration with aggressive economic support for local entrepreneurs.
Visitors to the trade fair can explore a diverse array of locally manufactured goods, including Ifugao coffee, processed fruits, nuts, and various other artisanal products. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between mountain-province producers and a wider consumer base.
Carlito Bata, representing Mayor Mariano Buyagawan Jr., underscored that the success of the event relies heavily on the relationship between the seller and the community. He encouraged exhibitors to provide excellent customer service, noting that quality interactions with clients are key to the trade fair’s success.
As the retail landscape shifts, provincial leaders are urging traditional MSMEs to modernize their approach. DTI Provincial Director Francis Pacio, in a message delivered by Franz Vic Madegyem, highlighted the importance of business resilience in a competitive market.
He urged local entrepreneurs to embrace online marketing strategies to increase public awareness and boost sales.
The 2026 Rambakan Festival continues to serve as a testament to the town’s cultural heritage, unity, and progress, proving that local traditions can be a powerful engine for modern economic growth.| JDP/MBL- PIA Ifugao with report from DTI-Ifugao
