The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) MIMAROPA Region assisted seven micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) return to the biggest domestic trade event, the 2022 Hybrid National Food Fair, two years since the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic.

Joining the roster of exhibitors from the MIMAROPA Region are Rejano’s Bakery and Rey’s Bakeshop, household names when it comes to selling the best arrowroot cookies, 3 Sisters Homemade Banana Chips-the growing banana chips brand, Heart of Islands Holdings, Inc. the seller of export-favorite guyabano tea, Bahaghari Global Food Inc., the go-to shop for local healthy snacks, Merl’s Native Delicacies, the maker of the famous suman sa lihiya, and Marinduque Land Corp., the store behind quality organic and natural coconut-based products. On the other hand, the NFF’s virtual fair is participated by BcDc Agricultural Products, the producers behind the local favorites-Honey Man-C, and the healthy food store, Rovilla’s Food Manufacturing.

The participating MSMEs from the provinces of Marinduque and Oriental Mindoro altogether reached over P30 million in sales during the five-day physical run of the Hybrid National Food Fair (HNFF) held from June 01-05, 2022 at the Megatrade Halls 1-3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Rose Salazar of the 3 Sisters Homemade Banana Chips expressed her gratitude with the comeback of the physical fair, “Super thankful ako na nagkaroon ulit tayo ng National Food Fair. Iba yung feeling sa dagsa ng tao tsaka dagdag talaga ng sales namin. Nakahanap kami ng mas maraming clients and partners.”

DTI is set to conduct more local, national, and international trade fairs in the coming months as industries shift to the new normal. DTI MIMAROPA Regional Director, Joel B. Valera remains positive that the gradual reopening of the economy will continue to spur MSME growth and development, especially in the provinces and far-flung municipalities. ♦

Date of Release: 20 June 2022