The Department of Trade and Industry's Central Luzon office will hold the Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair from 25 to 29 October at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

Themed "Supporting Market-Ready Entrepreneurs for 25 Years," this year's fair will showcase the products of 169 micro, small, and medium enterprises, or MSMEs, from across the region.

The trade fair will put into focus the region's commitment to supporting local businesses, fostering economic growth, and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of Central Luzon.

It will also serve as a venue to create business opportunities and expand networks for MSMEs.

Participating MSMEs will showcase their products under their provincial branding: Siempre Aurora; Galing Bataan; Tatak Bulakenyo; Taas Noo Novo Ecijano; Love Pampanga; Natural Tarlac; and Zambales Finest.

Products on display will include food items such as processed food, condiments, sweets and delicacies, coffee, fruit juices, healthy drinks, cacao-based products, mushroom products and milk products.

Non-food items will include furniture, woodcraft and home furnishings; lanterns, Ca piz  lamps, Christmas decorations; bamboo-based products; garments and outdoor gear; wearables (fashion accessories, bags, footwear); gifts and holiday decors; bags, wallets, and n ovelty items; organic and cosmetic products; shoes and sandals; jewelry, g ems, and crystals; leather goods; and sabutan products.

The trade fair is in partnership with PhilExport Region 3 and is supported by the Regional Development Council 3 and the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc.

Prior to the fair, DTI conducted capability-building seminars to help MSMEs develop their technical capabilities to become exporters and product development activities to help them develop new products and designs to be showcased during the fair.