Published also in Business Mirror
17 October 2017
MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Central Luzon showcased their products in Metro Manila as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Central Luzon sponsored the Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair from October 11 to 15 at the SM Mega Mall Trade Hall in Mandaluyong, providing a platform to showcase the MSMEs’ products in preparation for their entering the mainstream market.
The DTI pushes for the 7Ms strategy to help Filipino MSMEs compete locally and globally. The 7Ms strategy for Philippine MSME Development are mind-set, mastery, mentoring, market, money, machines and models, which are expected to propel MSMEs to make headway in increasing the competitive market.
At least 153 Central Luzon MSMEs participated in the annual showcase of products from the seven provinces of the region, promoting their provincial branding, namely, Aurora with “Siempre Aurora,” Bataan with “Galing Bataan,” Bulacan with “Tatak Bulakenyo,” Nueva Ecija with “Taas Noo Novo Ecijano,” Pampanga with “Vida Pampanga,” Tarlac with “Natural Tarlac” and Zambales with “Zambales Finest.”
“It’s the best opportunity for MSMEs to market their products, especially with the consumer base here in Metro Manila is very huge. We also expect the influx of buyers as Christmas season draws near,” DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said.
MSME participants in the trade fair were assisted by the DTI through Negosyo Centers, Shared Service Facilities, One Town, One Product (Otop), Kapatid Mentor ME Project and SME Roving Academy, among others. The assistance has helped MSMEs enhance their products in terms of quality and quantity of products, product label and packaging.
The Likha ng Central Luzon five-day promotional trade fair featured products, such as processed food, furniture and home furnishings, ceramics, jewelry, handicrafts, fashion accessories, bags, footwear, gifts and holiday décors and other novelty products.
There was also an exhibit of prototypes of products that were the result of the Otop Next Generation project, where the DTI provided MSMEs with design consultancy, product-development services and product-labeling design assistance.
The Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair is a major regional trade-promotion activity jointly organized by the DTI 3 and Philexport Region 3, with the support of the Regional Development Council—Region 3 and the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc..
Likha 2017 is now on its 19th year and serves as the culminating activity of industry and trade related programs of DTI for the MSMEs of Region 3. The Trade Fair has proven to be an effective venue to promote the products of the region to institutional buyers and exporters based in Metro Manila and nearby areas.