MUNTINLUPA CITY (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) emphasized the importance of trade fairs as an effective marketing platform for local products, particularly coconut-based products from the CALABARZON region, during the opening of Coconut Philippines featuring Kalakal Calabarzon trade fair held on Monday, August 17.
Sixty micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the Calabarzon region joined the DTI trade fair showcasing various value-added coconut products, highlighting the region’s abundant coconut resources that can be transformed into innovative and marketable goods.
DTI Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Group Dominic Tolentino Jr. said trade fairs provide local entrepreneurs with opportunities to directly reach consumers, expand their market, and secure bulk orders for their products.
“It’s a very good sign na ang mga Pilipino ay tumatangkilik sa gawang Pilipino. As you know, CALABARZON, most especially Laguna and other places in CALABARZON, is doing very well in the product coconut, and it’s our primary reason why we have this trade fair because we want to give importance to our coconut products,” Tolentino said.
Through its programs for the coconut sector, DTI helps create opportunities for coconut farmers and MSMEs to move beyond selling raw agricultural products by encouraging the development of processed and value-added coconut products.
These include coconut food products, personal care items, handicrafts, and other products that generate additional income and create greater economic opportunities within coconut-producing communities.
DTI also assists entrepreneurs through product development, packaging and labeling improvement, skills and capability-building activities, and market access initiatives.
These interventions help local producers improve the quality and competitiveness of their products while preparing them for wider markets.
The trade fair also comes as the country celebrates National Coconut Week every August 24 to 30 under Proclamation No. 142, s. 1987 which aims to highlight the importance of the coconut industry and recognize its contribution to the Philippine economy and the livelihood of millions of Filipinos.
“This initiative also answers the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. who wants to help entrepreneurs build their businesses, expand their markets, and create more opportunities for them,” he added.
Moreover, the administration of President Marcos Jr. continues to strengthen its convergence program involving the DTI, Department of Agriculture (DA), and other national government agencies to provide more comprehensive support to coconut farmers and industry stakeholders. (AM/PIA CALABARZON)
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