In the first run of MIMAROPA Naturally joining virtual exhibits, the trade fair generates more than P500,000 in sales, as the Department of Trade and Industry – MIMAROPA brings micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region to join PASINAYA 2020: The OTOP Digital Market Showroom and Online Trade Platform.
During the five-day online trade fair, MIMAROPA has garnered P529,000 in booked sales. Palawenyo Brewery from Palawan, and Jalos Stonecraft & Supply from Romblon, both contributed largely to the generated sales. Meanwhile, a total of P40,000 is still under negotiation.
The Regional Operations Group, together with the OTOP Next Gen (ONG) as the lead team, launched PASINAYA: The OTOP Digital Market Showroom and Online Trade Platform. Pasinaya, which means debut, will usher the ‘new normal,’ ‘new generation’ of Trade Fairs. Maximizing a 21st Century platform, buyers will now be able to meet, source, and connect to the finest of the OTOP homegrown regional exhibitors through an internet-mediated ecosystem.
In total, 19 OTOPreneurs from the region participated, 8 of which belong to the Non-Food category, and 11 belong to the Food category. Of the 8 Non-Food OTOPreneurs, three are from Marinduque, one from Occidental Mindoro, two from Oriental Mindoro, one from Palawan, and one from Romblon. For the 11 Food OTOPreneurs, two are from Marinduque, two from Oriental Mindoro, four from Palawan, and three from Romblon. The Non-Food OTOPreneurs are namely, Ibato Olresaykel Handicrafts, Marinduqueland, Corp., Sheena’s Butterfly Farm and By Products, Magnus Crafts and Charms, Bahag Slippers and Repair Shop, Mangyan Heritage Center, Binuatan Creations, Jalos Stonecraft & Supply. Moreover, the participating Food OTOPreneurs are namely Brilliant Juice Manufacturer, Moriones Baker’s Shoppe, Bahaghari Global Food, Inc., Dry Tech Manufacturing, Inc., Arnel Agri-based Products, Palawenyo Brewery, Real’s Food Products, VJB Food Products, Rovilla’s Food Manufacturing, Shapes Bakeshop, and Tinnie’s Food Products.
“These virtual trade exhibits will offer wider opportunities for our micro, small, and medium enterprises, suppliers, buyers, and other stakeholders, far beyond the geographical limits of our island provinces. Our MSMEs will now have a greater reach and wider interactive audience for seamless access in business” DTI MIMAROPA Assistant Regional Director said.
Ms. Hope Palermo, owner of Real’s Food Products from Palawan, one of the sellers during the online trade fair, shared that although the platform was something new for them, they are still very happy and proud to present their products to the online community. She is also grateful to DTI MIMAROPA for the opportunity to become one of the exhibitors during the event, and be able to listen and meet other MSMEs as well.
The online trade show was open to institutional and public buyers, and ran from July 20-24, 2020, through Zoom, a web-based videoconferencing tool. ♦
Date of Release: 29 July 2020