FILIPINO-MADE products, such as homegrown chocolates and traditional garments, will also take the spotlight during Manila’s hosting of this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit.
The 49th Asean Summit and Related Summits to be held from Nov. 15 to 17 will be attended by 11 Asean leaders and their 11 dialogue partners.
Malacañang on Tuesday said the country’s hosting of Asean will open new income opportunities for thousands of Filipino workers and micro, small and medium enterprises.
From transport service providers and traditional garment makers to chocolate producers and local craftsmen, Filipino enterprises are benefiting from orders and service needs for Asean delegates while gaining exposure to potential international clients, the Palace said.
In Calamba City, Laguna, homegrown chocolate producer Auro Chocolate is preparing Filipino-made chocolates for Asean delegates attending the summits.
Using single-origin cacao sourced from Davao, the company aims to showcase the quality of Philippine chocolate while highlighting the contributions of local farmers and workers behind its production.
Mark Ocampo, co-founder and managing director of Auro Chocolate, said the Asean gathering provides an opportunity to “promote Filipino cacao and chocolate to a wider international market.”
“This is really important to us because we want Philippine cacao and chocolate to be recognized not only by Asean delegates but also by people around the world,” Ocampo said.
Meanwhile, increased orders and bulk purchases for traditional Filipino attire, particularly the barong tagalog, are helping sustain the town’s renowned embroidery and garment-making industry.
From design and embroidery to sewing and finishing, barong production provides additional work for local artisans and garment workers.
Franz Kenneth Averion, a local designer, said the Asean hosting has brought more employment opportunities to Lumban, Laguna, which takes pride in its tradition of producing the country’s national attire.
Jema Garcia, one of the embroiderers, expressed pride in being selected to work on the barongs ordered for the presidents of Myanmar and Turkey, saying the opportunity provided her with additional income and a sense of fulfillment.
Vicky De Ramos, owner of Burdahand Haven Centre, also expressed hope that the international exposure from the Asean meetings would help further grow the barong business.
Patrick Rosas, Fashion Aid Philippines Inc. director, said Asean hosting is the best opportunity to showcase the barong tagalog and other fine Filipino creations to international delegates, highlighting the country’s rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship and talent in fashion design.
In Iloilo, local craftsman Arnel Vallejo, founder of Banwa Pens, is among the entrepreneurs whose businesses have gained recognition through the Philippines’ Asean hosting.
Vallejo was commissioned to produce the official handcrafted ballpoint pens used by Southeast Asian leaders during the 48th Asean Summit in Cebu in May, providing an opportunity to showcase Filipino craftsmanship and introduce locally made products to a wider international audience.
According to Lino Romero, JM travel and tours president and chief executive officer, participating in the Asean activities could lead to more business opportunities as new clients refer their services to other companies and organizations.
“The participation of homegrown enterprises in Asean activities highlights how major international gatherings can provide opportunities for Filipino businesses to expand their markets while generating additional income for workers and local communities,” Malacañang said.
