NORTHERN Mindanao's top micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are currently exhibiting their mouth-watering flavors at the largest international food trade show in the Philippines.
With the theme, “Sharing the Love of Filipino Flavors," the event, held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, began on May 26 and will end today, May 28.
Industry development specialist Loraine C. Brilliantes said that 19 MSMEs from Region 10 participated in IFEX, where they had the opportunity to showcase their products to a global audience.
Of the total participating enterprises 6 are from CDO, 5 from Misamis Oriental, 4 from Misamis Occidental, 2 from Bukidnon, and 1 each from Camiguin and Lanao del Norte that have joined with more than 500 exhibitors in the said 3-day event organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) export promotions arm.
According to Brillantes, the booths in the fair require payment, and the expenses were divided equally between Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy and Gov. Pedro Unabia for the city and Misamis Oriental participants.
On the other hand, regional participants from other provinces have their respective provincial offices to handle their expenses.
Brillantes said that DTI Misamis Oriental provided airfare and accommodation for the participants.
“The IFEX is the event that we are currently supporting in coordination with CITEM, the export arm of the Philippines, which also organizes the trade fair,” said Brillantes.
We invited these MSMEs to join in this event, and we sought support from partners such as the City Government and the Misamis Oriental Provincial Government, according to Brillantes.
The event at the World Trade Center will feature a wide range of food products from the participating MSMEs.
These include Bestfriend Goodies, Mang Kiko's Cacao (Seabeth Food Processing), Shiga (Fire Star Dream Concoctions), De Oro's Best (Padla's Homemade Products), Marca Leon (Limketkai Manufacturing Corp.), Bite Me Up (Bite Me Up Food Corporation), Blooming Forest Workers MPC, Elot Beacon Concordia Corporation, Trunk to Gold, Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy (Highland Fresh), and Axelum Resources Corp.
Also the event according to the DTI is expected to draw food industry players, including importers, exporters, and buyers, from all over the world.
It is an excellent opportunity for the MSMEs to showcase their products, network with other industry players, and explore potential markets for their businesses, said Brillantes.
“With their unique and flavorful food products, the MSMEs from region -10 are sure to make a mark at the IFEX Philippines 2023,” she said.
The DTI regional office has been assisting the MSMEs through the conduct of training as well as providing livelihood kits and facilities that could help improve and expand their businesses.
Likewise, the DTI has been conducting and participating in various trade fairs to help MSMEs generate sales and provide income and employment.
In trade fairs, like IFEX, our MSMEs will be allowed to launch their products, discover new markets, and transact with big buyers, Brillantes added.
