From clothing to food: the DTI trade fair offers original Philippine products

HOME decor, food, jewelry, clothes: all Filipino, all under one roof. That’s what you’ll find at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair (NTF).

The fair will last four days from August 21 to 25 at the Megatrade Halls 1 to 3 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong.

During the opening ceremony on Ninoy Aquino Day, August 21, Marievic Bonoan, director of DTI-Bureau of Marketing Development, Promotions, and OTOP discussed this year’s theme: Go Green! Go local! “This year’s theme… is more than just a slogan. It is a call to action for all of us to support our local MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) who are committed to eco-friendly practices and promote the use of sustainable materials,” she said in a speech.

Mrs. Bonoan told it Business world: “That is the call of the times. We have to use our indigenous materials.”

There are 271 exhibitors offering items ranging from indigenous textiles from Abra to the Namarabar Ethnic Products Shop, trophies and plaques made while you wait from Antipolo, woven handicrafts (and a giant sun hat) from Quezon, and bags encrusted with pearls from Batangas (and a set of shell-shaped minaudières made with capiz shells from Cebu). Other products we saw included hand-painted ones baro’t sayclothing made from flour sacks, various bee-related products, Ifugao woodworking, jewelry from Camarines Norte and shoes from Marikina.

The fair also features halal products, coconut-based innovations for medical and personal care use, novelties, holiday decoration and home furnishings.

They are also quite affordable: only one of the items we bought cost more than P1,000 (a bracelet); a pack of cocoa tea cost P195, while a flour bag kimono jacket costs P850.

“They were approved by the regional and provincial offices, and then there is a screening committee represented by the private (sector) and government,” Ms. Bonoan said of the exhibitor selection.

The NTF will facilitate business matching and networking activities between SMEs and institutional buyers, providing opportunities for collaboration and growth. The event includes the Philippine Sustainability Pavilion, the Coconut Philippines Pavilion, the KAPetirya Coffee Pavilion, the RAPID Growth Project and the Innovation and Services Cluster for government and private sector partners.

According to a statement, the Hybrid National Trade Fair generated P42.06 million in sales last year. Last month’s National Food Fair brought in $61.3 million in cash sales, sales booked and orders negotiated, according to an announcement from event host Issa Litton.

DTI Acting Secretary Cristina Roque, the founder of the clothing brand Kamiseta, said in a speech: “Every product we support and every partnership we forge contributes to a greater movement: a movement that uplifts and builds a more vibrant economy . We will open nooks and spaces in all Philippine embassies around the world to showcase and promote Philippine products for retail and wholesale buyers.

“For our MSMEs, remember: you are not alone in this journey,” she said. “The government, the private sector and the entire nation are behind you.”

The NTF is public and admission is free. Aspiring entrepreneurs can participate in future DTI-BMDPO fairs through their local DTI office. They can also contact the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP by emailing Ms. Bonoan at BDTP@dti.gov.ph. — Joseph L Garcia