The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) welcomes micro, small, and medium enterprises’ (MSMEs) products from Region 8 in its Makati Showroom as they open the Eastern Visayas OTOP Makati selling exhibit dubbed as “BAHANDI: Eastern Visayas Island Treats” on July 5, 2016. Bahandi is a Visayan term for treasure or riches.
 

During the opening ceremonies of the exhibit, Regional Director Cynthia Nierras cited how avenues such as the OTOP Makati Showroom, provide local MSMEs broader opportunities to tap the wide Metro Manila market. “Being here in Manila is really a big deal for our producers. [Our] location limits our market and it’s too expensive to relocate for our MSMEs to tap big markets,” Nierras added.

 

In line with its thrust of promoting local MSMEs, DTI’s Industry Promotion Group (IPG) Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado emphasized the role of DTI in providing market access to local enterprises through various initiatives and programs. “Being expected to give more support to our MSMEs, IPG’s role is to ensure that we enhance market access of local enterprises and provide opportunities and platforms to promote their businesses. It can be through communication media, spokespersons, and whatever medium that we can provide to support them.”

 

Over 50 MSMEs from Region 8 composed of the provinces of Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte and Southern Leyte signed up as exhibitors. Products include Leyte’s famous mats (banig), baskets, bags, fashion accessories, teas, tablea chocolates, and other local delicacies.

 

DTI noted that since OTOP Makati’s Showroom inception in 2009, there have been 25 entities consisting of seven (7) DTI regional offices, three (3) DTI provincial offices, and 15 trade & industry associations, who have taken advantage of showcasing their products at the showroom for Metro Manila buyers. “We encourage more MSMEs to scale up their businesses and take advantage of this showroom,” said BDTP Director Rhodora Leaño.

  

The Eastern Visayas’ OTOP Makati Selling Exhibit will run from July 4 to 29 at the OTOP Makati Showroom, Ground Floor, DTI Bldg., 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. This marketing activity is being mounted in cooperation with Leyte Treats of Ethnic Crafts Association (LeyTEFCA), DTI-Region 8, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 

Handmade bags made out of waterlilies on various designs.

Eastern Visayas’ famous mats (banig) in various designs and colors.