In line with the President Gloria Arroyo's 10-Point Economic Agenda, the administration of Governor Josefina M. dela Cruz has creatively packaged several economic programs that will eventually lead to the generation of jobs and livelihood to her constituency. The Tatak Bulakenyo is one of these programs.

The Tatak Bulakenyo is one of these and by its nature a market development program for Bulacan-made products. The Provincial Cooperatives and Economic Development Office (PCEDO), which is currently headed by Jovito Saguinsin, is directly in-charge of this program. The PCEDO in cooperation with BCCI has been tasked to identify products with high potential, first in the local, and then subsequently in the international market, which can qualify for assistance in the area of product quality improvement. The program has so far assisted a total of 31 food producers, basically in packaging and labeling. Eventually, the Tatak Bulakenyo program will be linked with the Bulacan Packaging Center, once the latter is operational.

Gov. dela Cruz has for her consultant PCCI Vice-President for Quality and Productivity Dr. Raul Hernandez. The team includes experts from the DOST and the Bulacan State University to ensure that food products comply with regulatory standards, and are thus safe for consumption. Tatak Bulakenyo beneficiaries are likewise prioritized in the financial assistance program under the Kasulong sa Kaunlaran Lending Program for MSMEs.

The Provincial Government, together with BCCI, has embarked on an extensive marketing campaign to develop awareness and eventually create a market for the Tatak Bulakenyo products.

BMK Home Needs, for example carries the El Negrense Bottled Sardines and Bangus brand. Owned by Bella Santos, the products are being manufactured in Pulilan, Bulacan and can now be bought in supermarkets and groceries. It is significantly priced lower than the other gourmet sardines and bottled fish products.

Minasa, a local delicacy made from cassava powder and molded in a flower-design form is fast becoming popular in the local delicacy market. Minasa is a product identified with the town of Bustos. Fe's Minasa is one of the brands carrying the Tatak Bulakenyo seal. Its proprietor Loudes Luz claims to have learned the craft from her aunt Petra Ramos. Fe's Minasa has diversivied into other pastry lines, such as lengua de gato and barquillos.

Chemist turned entrepreneur Sonia de Jesus of Marilao, Bulacan is another story worth emulating. Her struggle is far from over but she has slowly transformed her Shamna Oriental Juice Concentrates into a viable venture. Sonia focused on developing a formulation that will be palatable to her intended market. She has availed of the government's assistance programs that are within her reach. Aggressive on her marketing, she has forged strategic alliances with equipment suppliers to maximize the visibility of her products to the end-consumers. Shamna is also proudly Tatak Bulakenyo.

Other lines being developed under the Tatak Bulakenyo are the pastilles.de leche of San Miguel, chicharon of Sta. Maria, tinapang bangus and tilapia, ensaymada and inipit of Malolos and longganisa. All these products are in the process of applying for their respective registration under the Bureau of Food and Drugs. But preliminary to this, they all have to qualify under the very strict compliance requirements being implemented by the Tatak Bulakenyo team. With the establishment of the Bulacan Packaging and Toll Center, the initiatives undertaken under the Tatak Bulakenyo program will be better consolidated and more focused. Ultimately, Dr. Hernandez wants to develop products not only for local market consumption but for the international food market, as well.

Governor dela Cruz wants the Tatak Bulakenyo to be synonymous with a seal of excellence. The brand signifies a product standard...it should be an assurance to the consumer that the Tatak product is safe for consumption. This is not just branding, this is ensuring quality in products to make them sustainable, and eventually improving the quality of life of Bulakenyos.