THE third OBRA MIMAROPA regional trade show successfully generated P9.3 million in cash and booked sales, marking a 28% increase from the previous year.
Held at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City from October 22 to 25, 2026, the four-day event featured over 100 local brands representing the region’s five provinces: Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.
Metro Manila buyers rushed to snap up a diverse array of goods, including fruit snacks, local delicacies, coconut-based items, and handcrafted goods, with a majority of participating micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) reporting total inventory sell-outs before the event concluded.
During the October 25 closing ceremony, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) MIMAROPA honored standout exhibitors.
Magnus Arts and Crafts won Most Creative Product for its Marahuyo Coconut Shell Jewelry, while Palawan’s Palawenyo Brewery earned Most Innovative Product for its Alamid Wild Civet Coffee Porter.
Bahaghari Global Foods Inc. took home Top Seller – Food, and Romblon-based Sea Warrior’s Furniture secured Top Seller – Non-Food for the second consecutive year.
Institutional recognitions were also awarded to the Department of Tourism MIMAROPA and the Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro for their Bayanihan exhibits.
Beyond immediate sales, the trade show acted as a critical launchpad for business expansion.
Exhibitors like Alvin Alivar of Coolture Arts and Crafts Manufacturing and Virginia Dela Cruz of VCDC Farm credited DTI not only with vital market exposure, but also with facilitating access to financing options, processing equipment upgrades, and compliance-ready product labels.
DTI MIMAROPA Division Chief Lirio Maalihan underscored that the event serves as a living showcase of the region’s rich heritage.
Regional Director Amormio CJS Benter and Assistant Regional Director Rodolfo Mariposque expressed gratitude to public and private partners, capping off the event by teasing preparations for its fourth edition next year.
Since its 2024 inception, OBRA MIMAROPA continues to serve as an effective commercial bridge connecting regional entrepreneurs to wider national markets.