MANDALUYONG CITY — The 2023 National Trade Fair opened recently at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong with solid support from stakeholders.

“The National Trade Fair is not just about business but a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and our collective commitment to creating a prosperous future. It’s about fostering relationships, building networks, and learning from one another,” said Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotions (BDTP) Director Marievic Bonoan in her opening remarks.

Regional Operations Group (ROG) Assistant Secretary Leonila Baluyut further added, “Taken collectively, initiatives like the National Trade Fair can serve as catalysts for change towards a future that is not only economically prosperous but also sustainable.”

International Fund for Agricultural Development Country Officer for Asia and the Pacific Region Mags Catindig-Reyes, one of the representatives of NTF partner agencies, acknowledged the role of the DTI in helping small farmers and rural entrepreneurs through the Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) project. Several beneficiaries showcased their products at the trade fair.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Senator Sonny Angara extended their expressions of support through video messages.

Likewise, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum also expressed his solidarity and support for the innovative materials, processes, and products of enterprising Filipinos.

Deputy City Administrator Local Development Officer Atty. Diego Luis Santiago delivered Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto’s keynote on his behalf. 

Santiago emphasized the importance of developing the informal sector and empowering the growth of small businesses by strengthening initiatives towards ease of doing business.

A toast to formally open the 2023 National Trade Fair (L-R): Atty. Diego Luis Santiago, Deputy City Administrator of Pasig City; Dir. Marievic Bonoan of the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion; Ms. Sky Gavin, When in Manila CEO; Ms. Nini Bacani, blogger and entrepreneur; Ms. Mags Catindig-Reyes, Country Programme Officer for Asia and the Pacific Region, International Fund for Agricultural Development.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)—Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP), in collaboration with the DTI-Regional Operations Group (ROG), the 2023 National Trade Fair featured micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) from the country’s 16 regions. With over 250 exhibitors, the event offered a wide variety of non-food products such as furniture and furnishings, woodcrafts, metalcrafts, leathercrafts, home décor, houseware, apparel made of indigenous textiles, modern and traditional formal wear, fashion accessories and wearables made of eco-friendly materials, gift collections, souvenir items, holiday décor, personal care, and health and wellness products.

DTI-ROG Assistant Secretary Leny Baluyut offered her well-wishes to participating MSMEs in an inspirational message.

The special settings and pavilions that were showcased at the 2023 National Trade Fair are: Philippine Sustainability Pavilion that featured bamboo, coconut, native grass, and natural fibers; Innovative Coconut-based Products cluster; Other Innovative Products cluster; Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth Project (RAPID) special setting; KAPEtirya: Coffee Pavilion; Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Project Beneficiaries special cluster; Philippine Green Living and Holiday Décor Pavilion; and #FlexPHridays photo corner.

To expand the market reach of participating MSMEs, the Sisidlan: The Official NTF 2023 Digital Product Catalog includes their product information and contact details so interested institutional buyers and retail consumers can continue transacting business with the exhibitors even beyond the physical fair.

For inquiries, follow DTI-BDTP follow its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or email BDTP Director Marievic M. Bonoan at bdtp@dti.gov.ph. ♦

Date of release: 30 August 2023

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