DTI exporters’ fair generates PHP 129.25 million

The Department of Trade and Industry’s Bagong Pilipinas National Exporters’ Fair 2026 generated PHP 129.25 million in exhibitor sales while showcasing export opportunities for Philippine halal, coconut and agricultural products.

Beyond the sales total, the fair gave smaller enterprises subsidized access to institutional buyers, export advice and product promotion that could translate into new jobs, stronger domestic industries and higher incomes for farming communities.

Held from July 22 to 26 at the Megatrade Halls in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, the five-day event gathered 237 exporters and export-ready companies representing seven major product clusters.

The fair carried the theme “Navigating Uncertainties, Seizing Opportunities.”

The event served as a platform for Filipino businesses to present export-ready goods, establish trade connections and access government assistance for international expansion.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque said every product shipped abroad reflects the work of Filipino families, factories and communities.

Roque said export earnings return revenue to the country, support job creation, strengthen local industries and help build a more resilient economy.

The fair was held amid broader growth in Philippine trade, with merchandise exports reaching USD 46.72 billion from January to June 2026, up 13.1% from USD 41.31 billion during the same period in 2025, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Agro-based products contributed USD 575.11 million, or 6.6%, of the country’s total exports in June 2026.

Business matching was a major contributor to the fair’s results.

The DTI facilitated nearly 200 one-on-one meetings between participating businesses and 73 institutional buyers.

The buyers included retail consolidators, supermarket chains, retail stores and foreign trade representatives looking for long-term supply partnerships.

The fair also allowed the public to explore Philippine products from the food and beverage, fashion, textile, wellness and creative industries.

Live cooking demonstrations, product showcases, social media challenges and a pop-quiz trivia night on Philippine trade history supported public engagement.

Halal-certified and coconut-based goods were among the fair’s principal attractions.

Forty halal-supported exhibitors generated PHP 34.23 million in sales.

Another 33 businesses supported by the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan accounted for PHP 29.22 million.

Dedicated displays also promoted emerging high-value crops such as ube, pili and calamansi.

The subsidized exhibition gave participating companies product exposure that could otherwise require substantial marketing spending.

“We are part of the special setting, so that’s something that we value a lot because it gives a spotlight to our products that would otherwise require more marketing expense,” said Leandro Geniston of AG Pacific Nutraceutical Corp.

The company manufactures fresh-centrifuged virgin coconut oil, coconut chips and plant-based food products.

Other exhibitors highlighted how strategic certification can help Philippine food producers enter overseas markets.

“Being Halal-certified opened so many doors for me to export in the Gulf countries,” said Rebecca Topacio, chief operating officer of Jimbec Food Products Corp.

Jowen Salazar, owner of Kuya BS Mushroom Products, said DTI support for halal certification was an important step toward satisfying the requirements of international consolidators.

The export initiative could also benefit agricultural communities by increasing commercial demand for locally grown raw materials.

Padie Alover, vice president of JPC Golden Alliance Trading Inc., said the company works directly with farmers to promote Philippine ube.

“The more we sell products, the more that we can help our farmers,” Alover said.

The DTI conducted seven free “Usapang Exports” sessions to strengthen the long-term capabilities of participating businesses.

The sessions covered free trade agreements, global market analysis, sustainability regulations, export financing and logistics.

Participants also received direct coaching and consultations from industry specialists to prepare their businesses and products for global distribution.

The DTI organized the fair through the Export Marketing Bureau and the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions and OTOP.

The event was conducted in partnership with the DTI Halal Industry Development Program, the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan and the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc.

An awards ceremony recognizing top exhibitors and partner organizations concluded the fair.

The DTI also formally launched National Exporters’ Week 2026 during the closing program.

Local entrepreneurs and international buyers interested in sourcing Philippine products or joining export programs may contact the DTI at exports@dti.gov.ph.