Exhibitors are positioned to sell their products at the Megatrade Halls 1–3 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday. DTI
BUSINESS

300 Filipino MSMEs showcase crafts at Bagong Pilipinas Trade Fair

Raffy Ayeng

More than 300 Filipino exhibitors are showcasing their crafts at the Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair, which opened on Wednesday, 18 February, at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

The formal opening will be led by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque at the Megatrade Halls 1–3, together with other government officials.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, the free-admission event gathers the country’s top micro, small and medium enterprises in one marketplace, serving as a platform to expand market access, strengthen buyer linkages and promote high-quality locally made products in line with the Bagong Pilipinas and Tatak Pinoy strategies.

In 2025, the DTI’s Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP (BMDPO), in partnership with industry stakeholders, mounted 10 DTI–Bagong Pilipinas national trade fairs, along with strategic international participations across priority sectors.

Across these fairs, participating enterprises generated a combined P665.13 million in cash sales, confirmed orders and ongoing negotiations, directly benefiting 1,774 MSMEs nationwide.

The events attracted more than 190,000 buyers and visitors, expanding market reach for Filipino products and strengthening domestic value chains.

For 2026, the National Trade Fair features a curated selection of eco-friendly, design-driven and high-value Filipino products for buyers, entrepreneurs and conscious consumers.

In collaboration with DTI regional and provincial offices, the trade show brings together 300 exhibitors ready to supply retailers, distributors, resellers, exporters and individual buyers.

One of the highlights is the upgraded Philippine Sustainability Pavilion, showcasing furniture, textiles, fashion and handicrafts made from coconut-based materials, engineered bamboo, natural fibers, plant-based dyes and native grasses sourced from across the country.

The fair also features innovative uses of recyclable and reusable materials transformed into functional pieces for homes, offices and commercial spaces.

Beyond the exhibition floor, visitors and aspiring entrepreneurs may attend learning sessions on business development, logistics management and environmental sustainability.

Daily live activities, including craft workshops, product demonstrations and cultural performances, aim to deepen appreciation for Filipino creativity while highlighting the techniques, materials and traditions behind locally made products.