Hundreds of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the country took center stage as the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP (DTI-BMDPO) opened its 2026 trade fair calendar with the DTI–Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair on 18 February at Megatrade Halls 1–3 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

The five-day event brings together over 300 MSMEs from across the country in a dynamic marketplace that expands market access, strengthens buyer linkages, and showcases high-quality, locally made products aligned with the Bagong Pilipinas and Tatak Pinoy strategies. Open to the public, the fair draws strong buyer and consumer engagement throughout its run.

Building on Strong 2025 Performance

The 2026 kickoff follows a banner year in 2025, when DTI-BMDPO successfully mounts ten DTI–Bagong Pilipinas national trade fairs and participates in key international exhibitions.

These initiatives generate a combined P665.13 million in cash sales, booked orders, and ongoing negotiations, directly benefiting 1,774 MSMEs nationwide and attracting over 190,000 buyers and visitors. The results underscore the impact of sustained trade fair programming in helping enterprises move beyond one-time transactions toward long-term market growth.

Spotlight on Sustainable Filipino Design

A major highlight of the 2026 National Trade Fair is the upgraded Philippine Sustainability Pavilion, which features furniture, fashion, textiles, and handicrafts crafted from coconut-based materials, engineered bamboo, natural fibers, native grasses, and plant-based dyes sourced from various regions.

The curated showcase emphasizes eco-conscious, design-driven, and high-value Filipino products for retailers, distributors, exporters, and conscious consumers.

Beyond the exhibition floor, attendees participate in business learning sessions on development, logistics, and sustainability, alongside daily craft workshops, product demonstrations, and cultural performances that celebrate Filipino creativity and craftsmanship.

Strengthening B2B Linkages Through Buyer’s Day 2026

Complementing the fair is DTI Buyer’s Day 2026: Sourcing and Connections, a pre-event platform designed to strengthen B2B engagement between MSMEs and institutional buyers. The initiative provides sourcing opportunities, networking sessions, and partnership-building activities that reinforce DTI-BMDPO’s market-driven approach to enterprise development.

Driving MSME Growth in 2026

DTI-BMDPO emphasizes that its trade fairs serve as engines of MSME growth — enabling enterprises to test products, refine branding, adjust pricing strategies, and respond to real-time consumer demand.

With thirteen trade shows lined up for 2026, the agency continues to strengthen its integrated trade fair system, combining consumer-facing platforms with structured buyer sourcing opportunities to drive sustained market integration.

Anchored on the Bagong Pilipinas vision, the 2026 National Trade Fair sets the tone for a year focused on