The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has embarked on a mission to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing access to broader markets through the holding of trade fairs, training sessions, and other promotional activities. These activities support small businesses by highlighting and promoting products that are unique to each town or region. Through these regional and national trade fairs, MSMEs can showcase their products, access new markets, establish new business networks, and increase sales.
The government suspended the holding of physical trade fairs while lockdowns were imposed during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A National Trade Fair (NTF) was held virtually in 2021 on the DTI website as business activities started to resume. The 2022 National Trade Fair was the first physical edition since the economy reopened.
The NTF is a flagship initiative organized by the DTI through its Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO). It seeks to promote the efficient marketing of local products and provide a platform for MSMEs to showcase their unique and innovative products to a wider audience.
DTI-BAGONG PILIPINAS NATIONAL FOOD FAIR
In 2024, the trade department successfully hosted several national trade fairs. The events pooled together hundreds of micro, small and medium business owners and generated millions of pesos in sales, boosting the local manufacturing industry and further strengthening the country’s economy.
On July 3 to 7, the DTI held the 2024 Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair (NFF) at the Megatrade Halls 1-3 in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. The event marked a decade of promoting culinary excellence and empowering MSMEs, in collaboration with DTI Regional and Provincial Offices.
The event attracted an estimated 50,000 visitors and featured various food products from across the Philippines. It successfully generated P61.33 million in sales, including P20.83 million in cash and P7.31 million in booked sales, with P33.19 million still under negotiation.
The NFF was participated in by 245 MSME exhibitors, among them organizations from the Philippine Coconut Industry Pavilion and Coconut-Based cluster and the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) Implementing Agencies cluster.
Participants likewise displayed their food products at the Fresh Produce Pavilion that featured the DA-Kadiwa program farmer beneficiaries, the KAPEtirya or the Philippine Coffee Pavilion, and the Philippine Food Market and Dining area.
The Innovation Cluster featured food technologies developed by agencies under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB); and services offered by government and private sector partners, namely Small Business Corporation, DTI – Bureau of Import Services (BIS), DTI – Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), One Town One Product (OTOP), GS1 Philippines, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), Toyota Mobility Solutions, Halal Development Institute of the Philippines, Peddlr Philippines, Inc., TikTok Philippines, GCash, and J&T Philippines.
Cooking demonstrations, business talks and product presentations were also held during the five-day national food fair.
DTI-BAGONG PILIPINAS NATIONAL TRADE FAIR
On August 21 to 25, the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP (BMDPO) of the DTI organized the 2024 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair (NTF) that was held at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
The NTF, which ran under the theme “Go Green! Go Local!,” generated P73.2 million in combined cash sales, booked orders, and orders under negotiation for the participating 273 MSME exhibitors from 16 regions. The gathering showcased the best of Filipino craftsmanship, including Halal products, coconut-based innovations, novelty items, holiday decorations, and home furnishings.
The NTF also demonstrated the country’s dedication to resource conservation and innovation with cutting-edge products made from eco-friendly materials. It presented artisanal and non-food products crafted from sustainable raw materials such as coconut, bamboo, natural fibers, and native grass.
The trade fair drew nearly 28,000 visitors and featured pavilions that displayed curated selections of sustainable and innovative products, such as high-value products made from bamboo, natural fibers, and native grass and technologies from the DOST – Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), DOST – Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) and the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) Obra Design Masterclass scholars.
The Coconut Philippines Pavilion showcased innovative coconut-based products and the programs and services of the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Coconut Authorrity (DA-PCA); while the Obra Pavilion put on display creative outputs from design scholars.
The rich coffee culture of the Philippines was highlighted at the KAPEtirya Coffee Pavilion, while products from farmer-beneficiaries were the focus of the DTI’s Rural Agro- Industrial Partnership for Inclusive Development (RAPID) and Growth Project Pavilion.
The Innovation and Service Cluster featured the services of government and private sector partners namely SB Corp., DTI-BIS, DOST-FPRDI, DOST-PTRI, OTOP, GCash, and J&T Express.
As part of the event, the Innovation and Services Cluster also established an information hub that offered free consultations from government agencies and private sector partners.
Beyond product displays, the NTF served as a dynamic hub for business matching and networking, connecting local businesses and potential partners and customers. This boosted job creation, revenue growth, and export opportunities.
During the opening of the event, Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque reiterated government’s commitment to support local enterprises, ensuring they have the necessary resources and opportunities to thrive and contribute significantly to the Philippine economy.
“The DTI believes in the vast economic potential of Filipino products and this National Trade Fair attests to that belief. Through this event, we leverage sustainability and innovation to propel Filipino craftsmanship onto the global stage, ensuring that it is recognized and celebrated across the global markets,” Secretary Roque said.
DTI-BAGONG PILIPINAS BEAUTY FAIR
The DTI made a solid push to promote the Philippine beauty sector and take advantage of opportunities both in the local and international market for the vibrant and flourishing industry through the first-ever DTI Beauty Fair that was held from August 28 to September 1 at the SM Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
The event showcased a wide range of beauty products locally produced by MSMEs from various regions, such as skincare, hair care, cosmetics, body care, handcrafted perfume, and raw materials or active ingredients for such products. It highlighted the importance of self-care through the unique advantages of using beauty and body care products made with natural and organic ingredients and sustainable raw materials.
Organized by the DTI’s BMDPO in coordination with its regional and provincial offices, the DTI Beauty Fair featured unique and innovative products of 43 MSME exhibitors from across the Philippines and generated a combined sales of P8.11 million in cash, booked orders and orders under negotiation.
The beauty fair presented a Beauty Marketplace, which highlighted MSMEs and their respective beauty brands in a curated marketplace. Exhibitors displayed and sold their products, engaged with customers, and promoted their offerings to potential institutional buyers in their individual booths.
There was also a Make-up Try-on Lounge where exhibitors conducted live makeup demonstrations and offered product sampling, allowing visitors to experience the qualities and effectiveness of the beauty products firsthand.
A photo booth was also setup to enhance the event experience. This provided a dedicated space, especially for self-care and beauty enthusiasts, to capture memorable moments.
The DTI likewise opened a social media campaign to help exhibitors promote their products on digital platforms and attract interest from a wider audience, including millennials and the general public.
The event served as a networking hub for local beauty brands and facilitated connections with potential customers, distributors, and industry peers, which was aligned with the DTI’s mission to empower MSMEs by enhancing their market presence and fostering economic growth through improved access to institutional buyers and the mainstream market.
“The DTI Beauty Fair embodies our dedication to fostering growth and development of MSMEs in the beauty industry,” Secretary Roque during the beauty fair’s opening.
She underscored that “the beauty industry is a robust and very vibrant industry, so this is one industry that we must really push locally and globally.”
Aside from catering to the domestic market, Secretary Roque also said there are opportunities for Philippine MSMEs in the beauty industry to tap the overseas market. Among the country’s export markets for beauty products are the Middle East, the United States and Europe.
DTI-BAGONG PILIPINAS OTOP FOOD FAIR
The trade and industry department celebrated the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage by showcasing the dynamic food and beverage industry at the 2024 One Town, One Product (OTOP) Food Fair that held from October 4 to 8 at the Glorietta and Palm Drive Activity Centers in Ayala Center.
The OTOP Food Fair took place in a prime commercial location and showcased the county’s finest food products, attracting numerous institutional buyers from the mainstream market. The event featured high-quality food products with competitive packaging that appealed to buyers and consumers. Additionally, the fair introduced the new brand identity of the DTI OTOP, which symbolizes inclusivity and dynamic collaboration among MSMEs engaged in food and beverage manufacturing.
The event featured 104 Filipino MSME exhibitors that showcased their innovative products and contributions to the culinary landscape. It generated a combined sales of P17.44 million in cash, booked orders and negotiated orders.
The OTOP Food Fair adopted the spirit of traditional Filipino festivals and offered a multi- sensory experience to visitors whose sights feasted on vibrant presentations of Filipino dishes and products that represent the nation’s rich diversity; heard inspiring stories behind the innovative creations of Filipino artisans and MSMEs; tasted authentic flavors of the Philippines, from sweet delicacies to savory dishes; felt the warmth of Filipino hospitality as they connected with the community through good food; and smelled enticing aromas of hard-earned success.
The food fair likewise offered MSMEs the opportunity to connect with institutional buyers and mainstream markets and spotlighted top-tier food products with competitive packaging to attract both buyers and consumers.
Also on October 17 to 19 last year, the DTI’s OTOP program generated over P1.6 million in sales at the Manila FAME 2024 that was held at the World Trade Center.
The OTOP pavilion featured the craftsmanship of 30 Filipino MSMEs and showcased products crafted from sustainable materials in celebration of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
“OTOPreneurs” displayed products including fashion, furniture, lighting, home decor, house ware, food, and gifts. Curated food gift packages generated the most sales at the event.
On the second day of the event, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the event and underscored the vital role of the creative sector in the Philippine economy, while praising the Filipino’s world-class talent.
“Our design community has achieved world-class status and often surpasses it. With the government’s support, we are bringing Filipino talent to the world market,” the President said in his speech. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos also came to the trade show and pointed out the significance of fostering homegrown talent.
The DTI’s OTOP Philippines program is a government initiative that boosts the local economy by providing comprehensive support to Filipino artisans and entrepreneurs across the country. Government assistance includes product development, capacity building, and enhancing mainstream and international market access. The program also fosters private and public collaboration, and offers financing options to help local MSMEs maximize the potential of indigenous materials, local talents, and creativity.
NATIONAL ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR
The National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) is a flagship platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines’ indigenous crafts, arts, and traditions. It was conceptualized and initiated by Senator Loren Legarda in 2016. As a national fair dedicated exclusively to the country’s homegrown creative industries, the NACF was a significant initiative for preserving the country’s cultural heritage and promoting the economic viability of indigenous arts and crafts.
The mounting of the NACF is in coordination with the DTI Regional Offices, the Office of Senator Legarda, the Design Center of the Philippines, and the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts. It was held from October 23 to 27 at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City
The NACF featured 274 MSME exhibitors and generated a combined sales of P37.64 million in cash, booked orders and orders under negotiation.
The event featured the Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs), where community-led centers preserve traditional craftsmanship. Visitors explored products that were crafted using time-honored techniques from communities across the Philippines, including handwoven textiles, carved woodworks, and intricate beadwork.
The fair also presented innovative designs that blend Filipino traditions with contemporary trends. Visitors were able to explore new collections in fashion and home decor that reflect the creative evolution of local artisans in today’s global market.
Workshops and live demonstrations were also offered to educate the public on the importance of preserving the nation’s arts and crafts through sustainable practices and to inspire both artisans and consumers to support local craftsmanship and guarantee that traditional techniques are maintained for future generations.
SWEET STYLE BEADWORKS
Zara Asis, 65 years old, started the Sweet Style Beadworks after availing of early retirement in 1994. Accessory making, particularly beadworks, was one of her favorite hobbies. Her starting capital was a measly P500 and she brought her materials from Quiapo and Divisoria in the city of Manila.
It was not a bed of roses for Zara Asis. She narrated that selling her products was a challenge, especially since she was only able to join small outdoor exhibits to sell her wares.
She said her small business got lucky after she joined a free trade exhibit in Cavite City organized by the city government in partnership with the DTI.
“No.1 na nakatulong sakin ang mga free exhibits, marketing, production development, market development service, providing assistance to exports, mentorship and promotion ng DTI,” she said, adding that her business is now earning thousands of pesos in monthly sales.
“Dahil tinulungan kami ng DTI sa OTOP Hub, GoLocal at National Trade Fairs. Noon po sa isang buwan P1,000, hindi naman din po pare pareho ang kita kasi minsan, mahina, depende sa location. Tapos hindi rin po araw araw ang exhibit. Ngayon po dahil sa OTOPO Hub, may regular consignment ako about P50,000 a month,” she said.
“Malaking tulong ang DTI sa negosyo ko dahil merong programa tulad ng OTOP, GoLocal kung saan naibebenta ang aming produkto sa mga malls at walang bayad. Percentage lang para sa operator ng Hub,” she also said.
Zara Asis says she plans on turning over Sweet Style Beadworks to her children someday. To help small entrepreneurs, she has also opened a YouTube channel where she offers video tutorials on techniques to make beadwork accessories.
