DTI BAGSAKAN: Bridging the gap for MSMEs

As part of its mandate to promote and expand the market presence of Filipino MSMEs from all over the country, the Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP) has been introducing innovations to sustain the business activities of entrepreneurs.

Since the second quarter of 2020 and through the lockdowns and travel restrictions, the DTI-BDTP has been assisting MSMEs, local farmers, fruit growers, and cooperatives to sell their fresh produce and food products through the Bagsakan Special Project.

It contributed to the “Bayanihan We Heal As One Act” by ensuring the availability of food products while also helping MSMEs sell their products, thus supporting the economy during the pandemic.

As a crisis response, the Bagsakan Special Project introduced innovations such as direct selling of MSMEs to buyers and consumers, who were able to enjoy lower prices. At the same time, it generated instant revenues for the MSMEs, who received direct payments for their goods.

By using digital solutions such as social media marketing, online order-taking, contactless payment and delivery, and organizing safe selling activities, the DTI-BDTP was able to ensure the success of the Bagsakan Special Project.

In 2020, starting in March at the onset of the pandemic, until December, 29 Bagsakan events were held, generating revenues of Php 18.73-million for 200 participating MSMEs, fruit growers, and social cooperatives from 27 provinces nationwide.

A Christmas Grand Fest, held at the Festival Mall in Alabang last December, served as the culminating activity for the year 2020 with exhibitors showcasing food products and other regional delicacies, footwear, home decor, and other gift items.

Building on these modest gains, the DTI-BDTP continued its Bagsakan Special Project in 2021. For the first ten months of the year, 92 MSMEs from Cagayan, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Bulacan, NCR, Laguna, Guimaras, Samar, and Zamboanga participated in 25 Bagsakan events, raising Php 10.41-million in sales.

In another innovation, the DTI- BDTP and DTI Region 2 partnered with Mayani.ph and GCash to mount an Online Grand Bagsakan where 1,200 farmers sold 104.38 tons of fresh produce. This generated sales of Php 2.37-million as well as 200 jobs.

Now, with the economy gearing up for recovery, the DTI-BDTP has lined up a number of year- end events that will further boost the market presence and income potential of MSMEs. To take advantage of the year-end holiday shopping season, more Bagsakan events as well as a Christmas Grand Fest are being organized at various malls and event venues.

Partnering in the Bagsakan Special Project since 2020 are: Greenhills Shopping Center, Tiendesitas, Estancia Mall, La Bella Tagaytay, Filinvest Lifemalls (Festival Mall Alabang), Fora Mall Tagaytay, Main Square Bacoor, Eastwood City Mall, Glorietta 2, Ayala Fairview Terraces, and Mr. Speedy.

For 2021, additional partners include: Venice Grand Canal Mall, Uptown Mall, Carmelray Industrial Corp., Waltermart Supermarket, Mayani.ph, and Southwoods Mall.

It also received support from Project Buyanihan by Fort Bonifacio Development Foundation, Inc., BGC’s corporate social responsibility arm, in partnership with Alagang Ayala Land.

All Bagsakan venues observe strict health protocols and exhibitors are required to be fully- vaccinated and to ensure proper sanitation and hygiene.

Watch out for announcements about the year-end Bagsakan events, the Christmas Grand Fest, and other holiday shopping deals.

For more information about the DTI-BDTP and its projects for MSMEs, please follow the social media accounts on Facebook (DTI.BDTP), Instagram (dti.bdtp), and Twitter (@DTI_BDTP). You may also email Director Marievic M. Bonoan at bdtp@dti.gov.ph.