The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and 160 exhibitors of the 2019 “Panubli-on” are looking forward to generating some PHP10 million from the five-day fair now ongoing at the SM City Iloilo.

“With all the products displayed over there, with all these product development we have made, with all the efforts we conducted, we hope to be selling well this time,” DTI Regional Director Rebecca M. Rascon said in her message during Wednesday’s kick-off.

She added that most of the exhibitors have undergone DTI’s Kapatid Mentor Me Program (KMMP). “We can say that they have been capacitated in transacting with buyers, in product costing and even marketing,” she said.

The exhibitors came from six provinces of Western Visayas.

Rascon said they believe that trade fairs are still “one of the most effective tools for marketing”. Buyers both from Manila and Iloilo were invited to join the event that will run until November 17.

DTI Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-Naga in her message emphasized that her presence in the event was a manifestation of the seriousness of the department in helping the micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs).

“We are serious, sincere. And we would like to improve your livelihood,” she said.

She added that President Rodrigo Duterte is focused on one town, one product (OTOP) because the government recognized it as one channel to be able to help Filipinos.

The assistant secretary said that she always attends the trade fair of Western Visayas because she would like to see the improvements in product display. If they are not ready, they will again be given assistance by the DTI for their products to be attractive.

“Under OTOPeneur, all promising products of our MSMEs as long as they are interested and we saw the potential of their products, they can approach us for help with their capitalization,” she said.

PJ Arañador, consultant for trade fair and exhibit, said in an interview that this year’s theme “We Create, We Move, We Lead” focuses on going back to the community livelihood but with a twist.

“The twist is traditional crafts made modern. Because the younger generation will inherit our traditional techniques such as weaving, bags, shoes for succession,” he said.

Apart from the visual presentations, the five-day event also features a creative forum for Ilonggo designers, artists, and local leaders. (PNA)