The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is eyeing PHP4.5 million in sales during the five-day trade fair of Leyte-based small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) showcasing local products at a mall here from June 25 to 29.

From the initial PHP4 million target sales, DTI Eastern Visayas Regional Director Celerina Bato challenged the 71 exhibitors from Leyte to aim for higher gains during the fair dubbed “Layag” Leyte Fiesta Bonanza Trade Expo 2025 at the Robinsons Place here, to be held ahead of the fiesta celebration on June 30.

“We are here to seize this opportunity, to forge long-term partnerships with buyers and other partners. As we increase our visibility and availability by bringing our products closer to our buyers, I would like to call it a challenge to every exhibitor here. Don’t just sell, create a relationship, to ensure repeat orders,” Bato said during the fair opening on Wednesday.

This is the third “Layag” Leyte Fiesta Bonanza trade fair since the launch of the marketing brand in June 2023.

“Layag is a local term meaning to sail. (It) embodies the objective of DTI Leyte to usher its assisted enterprises to new and bigger markets,” DTI Leyte Provincial Director Araceli Larraga said.

“It is expected also that most of the MSMEs will showcase their newly improved products, and we also have three first-time exhibitors. The trade expo aims to really expand access to buyers for Leyte exhibitors in the domestic and national market, and even international since we have balikbayans here.”

Among the products available for sale during the trade fair are processed food and delicacies and handcrafted products like furniture.

“SEAL-BETA aims to provide MSMEs with access to knowledge, loan assistance, and additional avenues to market products through the trade fair simulation, as they exhibit their practical knowledge on visual merchandising,” Larraga said.

MSMEs are expected to showcase their newly improved products, intending to test their product’s viability and market reception via market testing booths co-located in the trade fair venue. (PNA)