An MSME briefs DTI Asst. Secretary Demphna Du-Naga on the various designs of wood carvings it offers.

Western Visayas’ Panublion Regional Trade Fair 2018 earned over P8M in cash sales and booked orders including under negotiation transactions during the five-day product exhibit at the Activity Center of SM City Iloilo, Mandurriao, Iloilo City from 14 to 18 November.

Based on its sales report, the activity made a total of P8,118,764.60.

The Panublion Regional Trade Fair is an annual activity of the DTI Region VI highlighting the output of all efforts in assisting MSMEs from branding, packaging and labeling with sought after consultants and experts for the food and non-food sector.

This assistance to MSMEs was funded under the One Town, One Product Next Generation (OTOP Next Gen) Program of the DTI. The program capacitates MSMEs on product development initiatives, training, referral, and others with the goal of leveling up the products in the areas of design, quality, and volume, among others.

A total of 160 exhibitors from the provinces of Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental showcased their products that had undergone intensive product development.

The product exhibit was a variety of creations ranging from gifts, housewares and decors, fashion accessories of indigenous fibers like piña, abaca, raffia, unique furnishings and novelty items, among others.

There was also a SSF Coaching and Mentoring, recognition ceremony of competitive LGUs, awarding of MSMEs, Christmas visual merchandising contest, best product design awards, Panubli-on Heritage Awards, culinary table setting competitions, do-it-yourself crafts corner, coffee brewing, daily fashion shows and many more trade fair innovations.♦

Date of release: 28 November 2018