Boracay Island, Aklan — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here urged tourists buying for souvenirs in this resort island to patronize green products or products made of natural and biodegradable materials.

Maria Carmen Iturralde, acting DTI Aklan provincial director, said that green products are already widely available in this resort island as several entrepreneurs are already being ecopreneurs, or those entrepreneurs engaged in using environmentally-safe products.

“Tourists patronizing green products would not only help entrepreneurs earn a living but also help in the sustainability of the environment,” Iturralde said.

She added that the quality of green products being sold by the local entrepreneurs is already of high quality because of its successful launching recently held in a regional fair held in Iloilo City.

Known as the 17th Aklan Product Expo dubbed as “Go Green,” the event was held in the event Center of SM City in Iloilo last 7 to 13 October where cash sales amounted to P1.07 million, booked sales at P7.4 million, orders under negotiation at P182,000, for the combined sales of P8.54 million.

Among high-demand green products were coco shell items, abaca twines and processed foods.

The trade fair was supported by the DTI, Hugod Aklanon Producers Association Incorporated, Aklan Provincial Government and the Aklan Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council.