Koronadal City, South Cotabato– To increase sales and market test new products of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of Region 12, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 12 forged a partnership with SM City GenSan in mounting the Best of Mindanao Trade Fair.
The Best of Mindanao Trade Fair showcased ten DTI-12 assisted MSMEs with products ranging from processed fruits, pastries, condiments and sauces to homestyle and wearable products made of indigenous materials and T’nalak cloth weaved by the T’boli people.
The event is the first physical fair of DTI-12 in almost two years after it has postponed the staging of the Treasures of Region 12 Trade Fair in 2019 due to an earthquake and last year brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic movement restrictions.
According to Jude Constantine Jaugan, Regional Director of DTI-12, the Best of Mindanao Trade Fair is a bold partnership between DTI-12 and SM City Gensan to promote the products and provide sales to the MSMEs despite the presence of the pandemic.
“It is a good opportunity for DTI-assisted MSMEs to introduce and market test their products despite the challenges of the pandemic. DTI has not stopped assisting the local producers in developing and improving their products. The trade fair is a perfect avenue to introduce these products to the market. This is also our way to test the waters for staging a bigger physical trade fair in November,” said Jaugan.
Jaugan added that while DTI is intensifying its effort in assisting local businesses to reopen, the agency also ensures the MSMEs’ observance of the minimum health standards to protect their employees and clients from contracting the COVID-19 infection.
DTI has been inspecting and issuing Safety Seal certificates to business establishments that are religiously practicing the minimum health standard. The Best of Mindanao Trade Fair which was jointly launched by DTI-12 and SM Gensan last August 23 will last until September 18, and has generated as of this writing a total sale of half a million pesos to the participating exhibitors.
Date of Release: 15 September 2021