DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez    delivered the message of appreciation during the launch of the Go Lokal! Souvenir Collection on 4 July 2018

The Go Lokal! Souvenir Collection launch on 4 July 2018 was met with great support. Held at the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) East Wing Showroom in Makati City in support of the country’s young makers and artists, the much-awaited event has embarked on another milestone for their ultimate goal of ushering our country’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) towards mainstream market. Respected guests, both local and foreign, and several local artists warmly graced the showroom.

Extending their support to DTI’s noble cause were representatives from both the public and private sectors. Among those present were DTI officials, diplomats from different embassies, and representatives from current retail partners – SM Kultura, Double Dragon Properties Corporation, Rustan’s Commercial Corporation, Duty Free Philippines, Robinson’s Department Store, Enchanted Kingdom, and Air 21 Global Incorporated. Also present in the event were representatives from Ka-Entrep Micro and Small Entrepreneurs Organization of the Philippines, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Philippine Homestyle and Holiday Décor Association, the Philippine Franchise Association, and ASPACE Philippines.

Early bird guests were able to indulge their imagination with a creative workshop hosted by Common Room PH and Team Manila. Young artists showcased their talents in badge making, stamping, and silkscreen printing, while guiding guests on how to craft their own pins, stamped canvas bags, and silkscreen prints.

With a plethora of eye-catching products, the showroom was alive with wonder and curiosity. In the background were handcrafted indigenous products already on display before the event and the souvenir collection skillfully arranged at the center of the room. Creatives from Common Room PH and Team Manila respectively offered a fresh take on the essence of the Philippines through the eyes of the younger generation of Filipinos. Emphasis was on the appeal of Go Lokal!’s new souvenir line to a wide range of people with crafted products spanning across different categories.

A Message of Appreciation from Sec. Lopez

DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez gave an inspiring message which expressed his gratitude to everyone for being part of Go Lokal!’s success.

Notably, he thanked DTI’s retail partners for taking MSMEs’ products under their wing and providing them with a space to sell their products to the mainstream market, stressing that the cost of operating a retail outlet is one of the challenges that MSMEs face.

Likewise, he proudly announced that Go Lokal! has expanded to more than 50 stores nationwide where 81 of their 315 MSME suppliers have successfully joined the mainstream market, all within a span of a year.

Response from Go Lokal!’s Souvenir Partners

The whole collection was an interpretation of the Philippines in all her diversity. Ms. Roma Agsalud of POPJUNKLOVE and co-owner of Common Room PH shared her excitement on the new designs the Common Room artists come up with every day. She thanked DTI for empowering and acknowledging young crafters and entrusting them with a break to create proudly Pinoy products that can be showcased locally and in the international market.

Life After Breakfast’s Alessa Lanot explained the concept behind the souvenir collection. “You can’t just encapsulate what the Philippines is with just one person or design, because it’s so diverse,” she pointed out, pertaining to the decision to bringing in 16 young makers and artists from Common Room PH for this collaboration. “The collection is inspired by things that we, as artists, love about the country.” For her, it was just a matter of translating that love into souvenirs.

Lastly, Team Manila Graphic Design Studio demonstrated a good example of a successful micro enterprise. Jowee Alviar shared Team Manila’s experiences of endless learning, recounting the inspiration behind their work as to “…how to manage [their] craft, open new stores, and really tell the story of the Philippines through different products.” He also expressed belief that the Philippines has the potential to be in the same level as Japan, Brazil, Cuba, etc. in terms of products that depict national identity.

Go Lokal! also recently launched its Souvenir Collection at the Kiss & Fly at the Gate 6 of NAIA 3 on 19 July 2018.

For more information, please visit www.golokal.dti.gov.ph, FB @DTI.GoLokal, IG dti.golokal, Twitter @DTI_GoLokal and LinkedIn Go Lokal!. You may also buy Go Lokal! products at http://golokal.marketa.ph/ and https://www.shopinas.com/go-lokal

In photo L to R: TIPG-DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado, Common Room co-owners Roma Agsalud and Alessa Lanot, DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and TIPG-DTI Assistant Secretary Rosvi C. Gaetos.

Team Manila PH’s Jowee Alviar in his message of appreciation.

 

MOA Signing at the Kiss and Fly@NAIA3. In photo, standing from L to R: FTSC-DTI Exec. Dir. Emmanuel Ang, DTI executives: Asec. Blesila Lantayona, Asec Rosvi Gaetos, Usec Nora Terrado, Usec. Rowell Barba, PTTC Exec. Dir. Nestor Palabyab and BDTP Assistant Director Marievic Bonoan. Sitting from L to R: Stores Specialists Inc. President Anthony Huang, DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and PhilHHDA President Romeo P. Balderrama, Jr.

More photos:Go Lokal! Souvenir Collection @Go Lokal! Concept Store@DTI

Go Lokal! Souvenir Collection at the Kiss and Fly @NAIA3: DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez tries out a floral cap created by the Common Room’s Life After Breakfast.

 

 Date of Release: 24 July 2018