DTI-backed Western Visayas MSMEs shine at Manila FAME

1 of 5

Western Visayas homegrown enterprises brought regional pride to the national stage as they showcased world-class craftsmanship at Manila FAME 2025, held Oct. 16–18 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6, in partnership with the Province and City of Iloilo, supported more than 20 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Aklan, Negros Occidental, and Iloilo in participating in the country’s premier home, fashion, and lifestyle trade exhibition.

Hacienda Crafts & Company from Negros Occidental, owned by multi-awarded designer Christina Marie “Ina” Gaston, emerged as a standout, winning two KATHA Awards for Best Eco-Design and Best Product Design – Home Décor for its Celestina Mats made from cogon grass.

Designed by Milo Naval and handcrafted by artisans from Barangay Celestino Villacin in Cadiz City, the mats exemplify sustainable innovation rooted in local communities.

The KATHA Awards recognize exceptional Filipino design and manufacturing excellence, with winners automatically qualifying for the Good Design Award Philippines, a pathway to Japan’s prestigious G Mark recognition.

DTI Region 6 provided end-to-end support to participating MSMEs, including product development, visual merchandising, logistics coordination, and export readiness training.

The Design Center of the Philippines supported the Iloilo Province through visual merchandising, while Aklan’s De la Cruz House of Piña was featured in the Design Commune and exhibited handcrafted lamps at the Design Center booth.

From Aklan, Alima Home Décor and De la Cruz House of Piña highlighted the province’s decorative nito products and abaca macramé pieces.

Negros Occidental featured a strong roster of brands including Arete, Jeanjaquet, Hacienda Crafts & Company, Lakat, Aire, and PLV Trading, each known for elegant and sustainable craftsmanship.

Iloilo Province and Iloilo City presented a broad contingent of artisans and cooperatives, including Indag-an Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Iloilo Weavers Association, WUTHLE Association, Alimodian Bamboo Producers Association, Efren’s Bamboo Products Manufacturing, and Rattanology Furniture Manufacturing.

Other participants from Iloilo included Banwa Pens, Balai Ilonggo by One Iloilo Inc., Modern Ilongga, Lampirong Collection, Iloilo Capiz Shell Flowers and Antiques, Corral Shell Arts and Crafts, Cuaycong Native Products, Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc., and Fiesta Philippines.

Local government units actively collaborated with DTI Iloilo to secure special exhibitor spaces in the Trade Hall and Artisans Hall, demonstrating strong LGU-DTI partnerships.

These exhibitors are also slated to participate in Panublion 2025, Western Visayas’ flagship heritage trade fair, set for Nov. 5–9, 2025, at SM City Iloilo.

DTI Region 6 OIC-Regional Director Ma. Dinda Tamayo, who attended the event in support of the MSMEs, said: “The SMEs who attended FAME 2025 have come a long way in showcasing artisanship through various innovative products displayed at the center stage of the show.”

“The products from Region 6 have not only kept up but have transcended expectations, transforming ordinary and mundane materials into artistic and functional pieces that add value as well,” she added.

Manila FAME 2025, organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) under the DTI, featured the theme “Objects by Nature,” highlighting handcrafted designs inspired by Philippine flora, fauna, landscapes, and waters.

The annual event connects local artisans with global buyers and design communities, helping Filipino MSMEs expand their international reach.