Mandaue-run shop offers veggie polvoron, bingka

CEBU, Philippines – Malunggay polvoron, binangkal and other special delicacies are among those on display at the newly opened Mandaue Pasalubong Shop located beside the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

According to the Public Information Office, the shop is made up of three stalls offering Mandaue-made customized ready-to-wears and some of the homegrown delicacies like the city's famed bibingka, masareal and tagaktak.

With the opening, Mayor Jonas Cortes said Mandaue is not just a manufacturing city but also a place for world-class food products.

Cortes, along with 6th district Representative Luigi Quisumbing, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday.

Ramil Villareal, who produces malunggay polvoron, welcomed the shop's opening saying "it's an opportunity for our home-made products to be exposed more to the market."

Villareal's wife, Rovelyn, is a grand prize winner in Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry's search for outstanding women entrepreneurs or WINNERS (Women in Need Now Entrepreneurs and Role Models).

Villareal shared that their Malunggay polvoron was also displayed during the APEC meetings in Manila late last year, and that in fact, it was among the delegates' favorites.

Another entrepreneur, Conchita Suico, said this is the first time she is launching her products in the market from just doing business at home. She owns Suico Apparels based in Barangay Cambaro.

Ian Fresnido, consultant for the #iammandaue shop, assured that the products displayed are of best quality as they were chosen among many applicants with similar products.

The pasalubong center is the 10th #iammandaue shop opened by the city government.

The first shop was opened on August 17 last year at the City Times Square which displayed high-end manufactured products.

The second opened in Parkmall on December 11 and showcases products of cooperatives that ventured into manufacturing.

The third was opened on December 26 at Pacific Mall as venue for livelihood training.

The city, in partnership with MCCI, also opened "Expo Mandaue" in two Cebu hotels, in Manila during the APEC meetings, and at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex. — JMD (FREEMAN)