Aklanon MSME wins top seller award at National Trade Fair

Bandiola’s Piña Weaving from Banga, Aklan, emerged as the Top Seller Awardee for the non-food category during the recently concluded Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair held on Feb. 18 to 22 at the Megatrade Halls 1-3, Level 5, Mega B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. The enterprise stood out among 335 exhibitors from different provinces and regions across the country.

The Aklanon-based local enterprise, owned by Bogie Bandiola and supported by her family members, manufactures piña-based products, including piña cloth, dresses, and barongs. Recently, the business has ventured into making fashion accessories, highlighting piña fabric as an accent.

As a first-time participant in the trade fair, Bandiola’s Piña Weaving showcased the province’s piña weaving industry, with strong results reflected in both cash sales and booked orders during the five-day event. The enterprise captured the patronage of local shoppers as well as institutional buyers — a reflection of timeless pieces combined with innovative designs adapted to modern style.

Other Aklanon medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) featured at the fair were Dodong and Mikay Piña Weaving, Elizabeth Rasonable Piña Weaving, Faith Native Products, Handicraft of Aklan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (HAMPCO), La Herminia Fibers and Looms, Raquel’s Piña Cloth Products, and Sunshine’s Breadmart, all of which showcased the best of Aklanon products on the national trade fair scene.

“This win is for our Aklanon MSMEs who have proven, time and time again, that our local products are worth celebrating and something to be proud of. It is a timeless treasure for the Aklanons and the local piña weaving industry that we have continuously worked on preserving,” said DTI 6 OIC-Assistant Regional Director and concurrent DTI Aklan Provincial Director Romel L. Amihan.