Soul of Filipino flavor

It was a five-day showcase of culinary discovery, connection, crossroads of taste, tradition, entrepreneurship and the vibrant future of Philippine food.

Presented by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Market Development and OTOP (DTI-BMDPO) in collaboration with the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices, the DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair was held from 9 to 13 April, at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls 1 to 3.

Through aisles of regional specialties, visitors were able to connect with creators behind over 250 unique food ventures, and taste the “Bagong Pilipinas” — a new chapter of Filipino ingenuity served on every plate.

“This event exemplifies DTI’s commitment to making its trade fairs progressively bigger and better – enhancing quality and quantity. This continuous improvement provides Filipino MSMEs with significantly scaled-up avenues to market their products, fostering substantial business opportunities. Ultimately, these expanded opportunities translate directly into crucial job creation and sustainable livelihoods for countless Filipino entrepreneurs and their communities,” notes Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, Supervising Head of the DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group.

This year’s National Food Fair (NFF) is an initiative proudly supported by the Tatak Pinoy Strategy Program. The NFF embodies the Tatak Pinoy spirit by serving as a dynamic platform aligned with the goals of the Tatak Pinoy Act. It works to elevate Filipino food MSMEs by expanding their market reach through enhanced access, fostering groundbreaking product innovation and championing sustainable business practices.

“This fair is a testament to the Filipino spirit — resilient, creative and incredibly flavorful,” Asec. Bautista reiterates. “We’re not just showcasing products; we’re celebrating the stories, the passion and the immense potential of our food entrepreneurs to shine on both local and international stages, fully embracing the essence of Tatak Pinoy.”