The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 5 (Bicol) said on Wednesday the Orgullo kan Bikol (OKB or Pride of Bicol) trade and travel fair in Metro Manila surpassed its sales target.

In an interview, DTI-Bicol spokesperson Jocelyn Berango said the OKB Trade Fair, held Oct. 9 to 13 at a mall in Mandaluyong City, generated PHP28 million in sales, which is significantly higher than the PHP25-million target sales.

“The high sales were attributed to the wide array of distinct product lines from wearables and homestyle, furniture, and processed foods. Bicol products have evolved and have become world-class as these products underwent a series of intensive product development interventions before the exhibit,” she said.

Berango said the 111 micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) exhibitors proved that their products are not only ready for the domestic market but globally as well.

“Many products showcased at the fair are already being exported to the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and Europe, among others,” she said.

Berango said as buyers prepare for the holiday season, the wearables and homestyle accounted for a significant portion of the overall sales, reflecting a little more than PHP20 million.

She added the bulk of sales was driven by a high demand for Christmas decorations and other gift items made from abaca and other local raw materials.

The OKB fair has become institutionalized through the years, being the longest-running DTI-organized trade fair in the whole country.

“To the organizers, partners, supporters, and exhibitors, congratulations on another successful conduct of the OKB Fair. To all the buyers, and to everyone who contributed to the success of the 31st edition of OKB, thank you for your unwavering patronage,” Berango said. (PNA)