Secretary Cristina Roque of the Department of Trade and Industry wants the government to earn more from product expos this year.
“There’s no target sales yet, but we’re aiming for higher sales from our trade shows,“ Roque told reporters at the opening of the DTI–Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair on Thursday.
In 2025, DTI fairs made more than P666 million, directly benefiting 1,774 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.
Data showed that of 1.24 million registered business establishments in the country in 2024, over 99 percent were MSMEs.They accounted for about 40 percent of gross domestic product and 63 percent of total employment.
Collectively, the expos drew over 190,000 buyers and visitors, helping expand the market for Filipino products and strengthening domestic value chains.
Last year, the DTI-Bureau of Market Development and Promotions, partnering with industry stakeholders, held 13 national trade fairs, and participated in strategic international participations across priority sectors.
This year, DTI plans to do more and invite 3,000 MSMEs to join, Roque said. “I want to do 15 trade fairs. We’re just looking for venues. Ang importante, maraming tao (what’s important is more people should come).“ With the planned trade shows, Roque said this will help boost higher sales for this year.
The DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair 2026 showcases 300 MSMEs from all over the country, with support from DTI regional and provincial offices.
It features a curated selection of eco-friendly, design-driven, and high-value Filipino products for buyers, entrepreneurs, and consumers.
A highlight of the fair is the upgraded Philippine Sustainability Pavilion with furniture, textiles, fashion apparel, and handicrafts made from coconut-based materials, engineered bamboo, natural fibers, plant-based dyes, and native grasses sourced from regions across the country.
Also on display are recycled materials transformed into functional pieces for homes, offices, and commercial spaces.
Visitors and aspiring entrepreneurs can likewise attend learning sessions on business development, logistics management, and environmental sustainability.
There are craft workshops, product demonstrations, and cultural performances.
The show runs until Feb. 22 at Megatrade Halls, SM Megamall.
