The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has showcased handcrafted local products made by participants of its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) during the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) held in Nanning, Guangxi, China.
The CAEXPO, which kicked off Sunday and will last until Tuesday, is an annual trade and investment event that brings together business leaders, exhibitors, and investors from China and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries to promote economic cooperation and create market opportunities for local enterprises seeking to enter the Chinese market.
“Joining international trade platforms like CAEXPO allows the DSWD’s SLP to connect community-based entrepreneurs directly with foreign buyers and trade representatives. Sa ganitong paraan, hindi lang sila magkakaroon ng kita, makikilala rin ang local products ng Pilipinas sa ibang bansa (This way, they would not only have income, the local products of the Philippines would also be known in other countries)” DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said in a statement Tuesday.
Dumlao said the participation is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to expand market access for Philippine micro-entrepreneurs and bring community-level livelihood products to the international market.
Delegates from the SLP National Program Management Office (SLP-NPMO) exhibited handcrafted products from various regions, including Malong Inaul from Region 12 (Soccsksargen), handwoven shawls from Region 6 (Western Visayas), abaca bags from Region 5 (Bicol), and handcrafted wooden souvenirs from Region 2 (Cagayan Valley).
“The strong interest shown by international buyers underscores the quality of products made by Filipino micro entrepreneurs and proves that local livelihood enterprises are ready for the global market,” Dumlao said.
Led by SLP-NPMO National Program Manager Director Marife Leon, the delegation participated in business-to-business matching sessions and held direct discussions with Chinese investors on order volumes, shipping logistics and delivery timelines.
The SLP-NPMO also established institutional linkages with Philippine Trade and Investment Center Vice Consul Jose Ma. Dinsay, who expressed interest in displaying several SLP products in Shanghai; Cebu Provincial Tourism Officer Rowena Lu Montecillo for possible local trade fair collaborations; and officials from the Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service and the Philippine Embassy in Beijing for guidance on agricultural exports. (PNA)
