More micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are joining in the “Obra Antiqueño” (Artwork of Antiqueño) trade fair as part of the annual marketing event of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) held in time for Christmas and the Binirayan Festival.

DTI Antique provincial director Mutya Eusores said in an interview Wednesday that the Dec. 9-15 trade fair at the Robinsons Place Antique in San Jose de Buenavista supported MSMEs in marketing their products and enhanced their negotiation skills with tourists and Antiqueños.

“Last year, there were only 36 exhibitors who had participated in the trade fair, but this year, their number has increased to 49,” Eusores said.

Last year’s exhibitors generated a total sale of PHP1.4 million, and this year they are hopeful of PHP2 million in sales.

Eusores added that products on display, such as bamboo craft, processed food, and other coco-based items, leveled up because of the continuous product enhancement and consultative sessions, one-town-one product intensified product development and market access and development capacity building conducted by the DTI.

The DTI’s Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) sessions with the MSMEs had also been helpful in terms of sales generation and packaging.

In a separate interview, KMME Antique president Albin Ortega said MSMEs who graduated from the DTI’s mentoring sessions learned to innovate their products and market them to their customers.

“I improved the packaging of the muscovado (brown sugar) that I am selling,” he said.

He said that he is now selling muscovado on paper-coated sachets that he markets in hotels even outside of Antique.

He said that selling muscovado in sachets is more presentable and convenient for hotel guests.

May Balontong, the owner of Mayang’s Food Products, expanded her business from just spiced vinegar in bottles with the help of the KMME. (PNA)