To prepare participating Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for the Manila FAME on October 20-22, 2017, the Department of Trade and Industry Region 8 conducted a Product Development (ProDev) Clinic on August 3, 2017 at the Hotel Lorenza, Tacloban City.

During this activity, designers led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) Executive Director Clayton H. Tugonon conducted a one-on-one product improvement consultation with the participating MSMEs of Manila FAME.

CITEM Executive Director Clayton H. Tugonon inspires MSMEs joining the Manila FAME.

Philippines’ premiere design and lifestyle event, Manila FAME showcases craftsmanship, design innovation, and artisanship in Philippine products twice a year. It features finely selected furniture and home furnishings, holiday gifts and décor, and fashion accessories designed and crafted in the Philippines for the global market. It is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through CITEM. It is the second longest-running trade show in the Asia-Pacific, and is the only trade event in the country that is approved by Union des Foires Internationales (UFI), or the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, a Paris-based association of trade fair organizers.

This year, ten MSMEs dared to showcase their craftsmanship with the unique emblems of Eastern Visayas- seven of which participated in the ProDev. Sto. Niño de Plaridel Multipurpose Cooperative (SNPMPC) will be bringing its awarded pandan-woven bags; Lolo Bobby Handicraft with its home decors and ornaments made of carabao horn; Eva Marie Arts and Craft, Delza’s Native Products, and My Souvenir Banig de Basey who are enthusiastic to showcase their ticog-woven bags; Capoocan Weavers Association and United Plaridel Weavers’ Association for Rapid Development with their pandan bags.

The three MSMEs namely TAPS Handmade Pasalubong Center, JMV Handicrafts and D & E Handicrafts will be participating in a Great Women Project 2 ProDev this week.

Through Product Development Clinics, DTI continues to empower Visayan MSMEs to innovate and embrace modern artistry so that the products of Eastern Visayas will continue expand its market breadth while promoting the region’s strength in the Homestyle and Wearable Industry.