Six micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Antique will join the market-matching activity during the Regional Negosyo Links organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan on Sept. 30 to Oct. 2.

Antique Provincial Director Mary Jade Gonzales said in an interview on Thursday that they will meet with other MSMEs and various hotel owners/managers in Boracay to promote and secure orders for their products.

“The MSMEs that will be participating are those in coconut production and other coconut-based products,” she said.

They included the Goldensun Coconut Farmers Producers Cooperative, San Andrew Coconut Farmers Association, Ariana Coco, Al Bin Packaging Services, Callan BEC Livelihood Association, and Haring Uling.

The MSMEs, which are recipients of DTI support through training, like labelling and packaging, were chosen because of their capability to supply bulk orders.

There is also a trade fair where participating MSMEs could do actual selling of their products, she added.

“This year’s event is funded by the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF), which is why the coconut industry is given focused,” Gonzales said.

CFITF is provided under the Republic Act 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act to promote and implement programs that would benefit the coconut farmers and their workers.

The event started as an initiative of the DTI Aklan and was adopted by the regional office last year. (PNA)