SAN FERNANDO CITY — A total of 107 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the region will showcase their products in the upcoming 6th Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Regional Trade Fair on November 16-19, 2023 at the Event Center, Marquee Mall, Angeles City, Pampanga.

Participating exhibitors are beneficiaries of the government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. The MSMEs are recipients of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) services and programs such as livelihood skills training, provision of Shared Service Facilities, product development assistance, and marketing support through exposure of products in fairs and market matching.

With the theme: Likha ng ARBs: Ipagmalaki at Tangkilikin, the fair will feature the best food and non-food products of CARP beneficiaries from the seven provinces of Central Luzon. Visitors will be delighted to see agricultural products, processed foods, handicrafts, woodcrafts, wearables, gifts and holiday decors, and bamboo and rattan products.

DTI-3 OIC Regional Director Brigida T. Pili reported that the Province of Pampanga has the most number of participants with 28 MSMEs. Following closely are Nueva Ecija with 17 participants, Tarlac with 15, Bulacan with 14, and Zambales with 12. Meanwhile, Bataan and Aurora will be represented by 11 and 10 participants, respectively.

“Our sales goal for this year’s CARP Trade Fair is set at ₱6 million. With Christmas just around the corner, the fair offers a variety of products for their gifts or personal use and consumption.

We hope to achieve or even exceed the target amount,” RD Pili said.

The participation to trade fairs is one of the marketing assistances that DTI provides as a venue for CARP beneficiaries for product promotion, sales generation and expansion of market niches. ♦

Date of release: 15 November 2023