HOLIDAY shopping took on a distinctly Filipino flavor as thousands of visitors flocked to the 2026 DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair 2nd Edition.
Held at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls, the five-day event generated ₱128.85 million in total sales and drew 4,388 visitors, giving local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) a powerful platform ahead of the Christmas season.
The robust revenue includes ₱44.50 million in direct cash and booked sales, alongside ₱84.34 million in pending orders currently under negotiation.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Coconut Authority (DA-PCA) and supported by the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the showcase featured food, wellness items, home decor, and artisanal crafts.
A central highlight was the COCONUTPhilippines feature, which demonstrated the versatility of the “tree of life.”
Exhibitors like Jero Carlo Labajo of Lao Integrated Farms and Eileen Annersand of Buko Coolers noted that the platform allowed regional brands to connect with larger metropolitan markets and institutional buyers.
Beyond retail sales, the event served as a critical growth engine.
First-time participants Gloria and Jhun Tolentino of Gregorio’s Arts and Handicrafts credited DTI’s capacity-building trainings—such as strategic planning and business resilience—with helping them structure their enterprise for potential export.
Similarly, Kirsten Liamzon-Go of Akasi Essentials highlighted how programs like KMME helped shape a sustainable entrepreneurial mindset.
The exhibition kicked off on October 22 with a ribbon-cutting and Christmas tree-lighting ceremony led by DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, who encouraged MSMEs to expand globally while maximizing strong domestic demand.
As participating enterprises gather valuable feedback for upcoming events like the National Exporters Fair, the successful trade fair reinforces the capability of local industries to innovate, thrive, and compete on a worldwide scale.
