MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Soccsksargen (Region 12) generated P32.5 million in sales and purchase orders at the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Treasures of Region 12 Trade Expo.
The total was 8.3 percent more than its P30-million target and included cash sales and orders awaiting delivery, the DTI said Monday.
The four-day fair held at a mall in Taguig City featured 70 businesses selling tuna, coffee, chocolates, processed tropical fruits, T’nalak woven fabrics, brassware and accessories.
First held in General Santos City in 2014, the expo has since expanded to Metro Manila and Iloilo to help entrepreneurs reach new markets and build long-term business partnerships.
The results reflected strong demand for the region’s products among shoppers and institutional buyers in Metro Manila, said DTI Soccsksargen Acting Assistant Regional Director Mary Ann Morales.
Supporting local businesses helps sustain livelihoods, create jobs and provide opportunities for Filipino families, DTI Regional Operations Group Chief of Staff Cynthia Dela Cruz noted.
Participating entrepreneurs said the expo helped them reach customers outside their home provinces.
Lennard Ponce, president of cassava cake maker Melts Corp., said the event helped his Polomolok, South Cotabato-based business reach new customers, particularly in Metro Manila.
He also credited the DTI with helping the company improve its packaging, extend product shelf life and streamline operations.
Elizabeth Moneva of TSM Food Products said DTI trade fairs helped her Kidapawan City, North Cotabato-based maker of natural fruit juices and concentrates, attract buyers from Luzon and the Visayas.
She said the agency’s digital marketing workshops also helped the company establish a social media presence and begin selling on e-commerce platforms.
Soccsksargenan is composed of the four provinces and one city that make up Region 12: South Cotabato, Cotabato (historically North Cotabato), Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City.