Legarda launches Tindahang Lokal North in Pandan, Antique

Senator Loren Legarda today led the launch of Tindahang Lokal North at the University of the Philippines Visayas Pandan Campus, expanding the province’s platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) after the successful launch of the first Tindahang Lokal at the Old Capitol Building in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique.

The four-term senator said that the launching of Tindahang Lokal in the northern part of the province will give more MSMEs, especially those based in Pandan and nearby towns, a permanent hub to showcase their work, connect with local communities, engage visitors, and preserve the province’s living traditions.

“Ito ay para maipakita, mapahusay, at maipagmalaki ang galing at produkto ng ating MSMEs upang bigyang-buhay ang lokal na ekonomiya, suportahan ang kabuhayan, at iangat ang dignidad ng bawat Antiqueño,” Legarda said.

As the principal sponsor and co-author of the Magna Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, and as the principal sponsor and author of the Barangay Kabuhayan Act, Legarda has worked to empower small entrepreneurs nationwide. She has established weaving and processing centers in key municipalities, supported the creation of natural dye centers to help weavers produce sustainable textiles, set up bamboo processing facilities to boost the furniture and crafts industries, and supported the establishment of a brick‑making and clay processing facility.

Legarda was also instrumental in establishing a cotton processing center in Antique to provide a stable supply of raw materials for weaving cooperatives. Beyond infrastructure, she has helped Antique’s products find markets in major trade fairs such as the National Arts and Crafts Fair and the Manila Fame, while providing capacity‑building programs, strengthening cooperatives, and distributing equipment to artisans and small business owners.

Legarda stressed that supporting Tindahang Lokal means directly helping weavers, farmers, fisherfolk, artisans, and small entrepreneurs while safeguarding Antique’s cultural heritage for generations to come.

“Bukas ang pinto ng Tindahang Lokal North para sa bagong oportunidad at tagumpay para sa Antique. Inaanyayahan ko kayong tuklasin, tikman, damhin, at tangkilikin ang galing ng sariling likha ng ating mga kasimanwa,” Legarda said. (30)