Koronadal City, South Cotabato– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 12 recorded a total sales amounting to P\52.93M in the conduct of the Treasures of Region 12 Trade Expo in General Santos City which was participated by 49 micro, small and medium enterprises.

The five-day trade expo which culminated on 20 November 2022 showcased the processed food and wearables and homestyle products of Region 12’s MSMEs which have undergone rigorous business and product development interventions from DTI.

Flora Politud-Gabunales, OIC-Regional Director of DTI 12, said in an interview that the trade fair is considered the culmination of DTI interventions to MSMEs as their products will now be tested for their marketability.

“As DTI promotes enterprise creation, we couple this with the development initiatives through our programs and projects that will strengthen them and make their products market ready. The conduct of trade fair is the culmination of our interventions as we finally market test their products and help widen their market base,” said Politud-Gabunales.

Politud-Gabunales also mentioned that the sales result of this year’s trade expo is overwhelming as it exceeded the initial target of Php 30M.

 “The recorded sales is a proof that our efforts have paid off. With this accomplishment, may I recognize the men and women who worked and contributed to this feat. They are also the Treasures of Region 12, not just the products produced by the MSMEs,” added Politud-Gabunales.

Aside from the product selling activity, DTI 12 conducted several pocket activities and fora aimed at developing MSMEs competencies, to provide sharing of best practices, and skills and entertainment sessions such as cooking (tuna sashimi & sushimi, and coconut) demo, consumer advocacy forum, technotainment with TESDA 12, Treasures of Region 12 Fashion Show, coffee brewing and latte art demo, youth forum, suppliers’ forum, RAPID innovation forum, SSF ConVERGE, LSP-PPG livelihood seeding summit, MSME forum, Jobs Fair with DOLE 12, 9th Cty and Municipality Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Awarding Ceremony, Kapatid Mentor Micro Enterprise (KMME) forum, Project SIKAP Entrep booth of BJMP-CHR-DTI for the products of persons reprieved of liberty (PDLs), and many more.

Awards were also given to top performing MSMEs namely: Top Seller Food Category – Gabriel Food Production and Processing, Top Seller Non-Food Category- R&N Design and Furniture, and Best Dressed Booth Award – Artisan Mindanao. ♦

Date of Release: 22 November 2022