Flaunting their preeminent crafts and delicacies made by the participating 297 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully launched the comeback of the longest-running DTI-initiated Orgullo Kan Bikol (OKB) 2019 Trade & Travel Fair at the Megatrade Halls 1 and 2, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City last October 9 and ran until October 13, 2019.
On its 23rd year, the five-day grandest edition of OKB Trade Fair features a wide array of products carefully selected from the six provinces across Bicol Region ranging from processed food, ceramics, furniture, jewelry, wearables and homestyle, holiday decors among others.
Gracing the launch, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez mentioned the importance of market access in the DTI’s accelerated 7Ms strategy for MSME development, like setting up various Trade Fairs and establishing Go Lokal stores and OTOP Hubs for the MSMEs.
“We give them market exposure, so this is only one, ito pong Trade Fair. Isa po ito sa mga paraan namin ng pagtulak sa kanilang mga produkto na mabigyan sila ng exposure. Ang DTI po, kasama ng mga partner agencies natin, ay 360 degrees ang suporta sa mga micro enterprises – para ‘yong mga MSMEs natin ay hindi lang parating micro and small forever, sila po ay lumalago. Ito po ang susi tungo sa tagumpay – ang panlaban sa kahirapan,” said Secretary Lopez.
Partnered with the OKB Association, Inc. and the Department of Tourism (DOT) – Region 5, DTI endeavors to provide MSMEs better avenues to exceptionally promote their products and encourage them to explore the global market.
“We encourage everyone to support our local MSMEs by buying their products as they provide jobs in their respective communities. We also invite foreign buyers to take a closer look and become more aware of what these 297 entrepreneurs produce,” said DTI – Region 5 Regional Director Jocelyn Blanco.
Present also in the event were Committee on Trade, Commerce & Entrepreneurship Chairman Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, Special Concerns Assistant Secretary Ameenah Fajardo and other DTI – Region 5 officials.
