Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the regions of Eastern Visayas and Bicol will showcase their products in the 2016 editions of the Bahandi and Orgullo Kan Bikol (OKB) Trade Fairs on October 5-9, and October 6-9, 2016 at the SM Megatrade Halls 1 and 2, SM Megamall, respectively.

The Bahandi and OKB Trade Fairs are annual events facilitated by the Department to help MSMEs market their products in Metro Manila.

The Bahandi Trade Fair, which will be held on October 5-9, will have a total of 115 exhibitors—46 from Leyte, 10 from Southern Leyte, 4 from Biliran, 16 from Samar, 9 from Eastern Samar, and 19 from Northern Samar.

Last year, 2015 Bahandi Trade Fair was able to generate total sales of P 23,992, 331—a notable breakthrough as the region is still recovering from the economic crisis brought about by Typhoon Yolanda. The trade fair was participated by 93 MSMEs.

Products up for display at the 2016 Bahandi Trade Fair include woven mats, bamboo products, food products, souvenirs, novelty items, homestyles and wearables.

The 2016 Bahandi Trade Fair is in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Bahandi Producers Association of Eastern Visayas, Inc., Regional Development Council Region 8 and the Department of Tourism Region 8.

On the other hand, the OKB 2016, will be participated by 105 exhibitors from the region—Albay (21), Camarines Norte (11), Camarines Sur (18), Catanduanes (18), Masbate (8), and Sorsogon (23). Highlighting this year’s OKB is 29 new entrepreneurs, who will be given full marketing assistance by the DTI-Region 5 through the trade fair.

Now on its 20th year, the OK Bikol will feature the Best of Bicol HALAL, Wearable and Homestyle products, Shared Service Facilities (SSF) products, processed food, Coco-coir, Bamboo and Ceramic products.

In its 2015 edition of OKB, MSMEs were able to net P15,576,000 worth of sales.

The 2016 OKB Trade Fair is organized by the OK Bikol Association, Inc. in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Region 5 and the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region 5.

The Bahandi and OKB Trade Fairs are held annually to assist MSMEs through marketing.