The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is eyeing PHP4.5 million in sales during the five-day trade fair of Leyte-based micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) showcasing local products at a mall here from June 10 to 14.

DTI Leyte provincial director Faustino Gayas challenged the 36 Leyte exhibitors to aim for higher gains during the fair, dubbed “Layag” Leyte Fiesta Bonanza Trade Expo 2026, held at Robinsons Place here ahead of the June 30 fiesta celebration.

“We initially targeted 30 exhibitors, but we now have 36 across the province. Showcasing their quality products is the result of our several interventions in the past. By promoting their products, we also create more jobs in the province,” he said during an interview on Wednesday.

This is the fourth “Layag” Leyte Fiesta Bonanza trade fair since the launch of the marketing brand in June 2023. The sales target is 7 percent higher than the PHP4.28 million in actual sales last year.

Layag is a local term meaning to sail. It embodies DTI Leyte’s objective of ushering its assisted enterprises into new and larger markets, according to Gayas.

Among the products available for sale during the trade fair are processed foods and delicacies, as well as handcrafted items such as furniture.

The event also seeks to connect with at least five institutional and walk-in buyers and to arrange a gender-sensitive selling space for both exhibitors and buyers.

The MSMEs are expected to showcase their newly improved products and test their products’ viability and market reception through market-testing booths co-located at the trade fair venue. (PNA)