The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Tuesday opened its Christmas Village at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, aimed at helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) boost earnings during the holiday season.

According to Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, the Christmas Village—now on its second year—will be the agency’s final trade show for the year.

“The DTI is allowing them to sell during this Christmas Season. The village is open from 23 to 28 December. We are giving it to them because, for retailers, the best time to sell is Christmas, especially on the 25th, because malls are open during Christmas. Kids go to malls to spend their aguinaldos from their ninongs and ninangs,” she said during a roundtable discussion.

Roque added that most of the products sold at the Christmas Village are locally made, including bags, food items, dresses, and other goods from various regions across the country.

“A total of 300 exhibitors will showcase their crafts at the Christmas Village,” she said.

The Christmas Village is open at the Megatrade Halls 1 to 3, 5th Level, Mega B of SM Megamall. Admission is free.