DTI KALAKAL fair posts PHP 8.4M MSME sales

The Department of Trade and Industry Region IV-A generated PHP 8,456,449.60 in sales for local micro, small, and medium enterprises at the 13th KALAKAL CALABARZON Regional Trade Fair, exceeding its PHP 5 million target and opening wider market opportunities for regional producers.

The five-day trade fair ran from June 24 to 28, 2026, at the Palm Drive Activity Center in Glorietta 2, Ayala Center, Makati City, according to the Philippine Information Agency and DTI-related announcements.

The event featured 51 DTI-assisted MSMEs from Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, the five provinces that make up CALABARZON.

DTI said the fair provided entrepreneurs with a direct platform to connect with bulk buyers, increase retail sales, and introduce locally made products to a broader consumer market.

The sales performance topped the original target by PHP 3,456,449.60, reflecting stronger demand for regional food, crafts, furniture, agricultural, and specialty products.

DTI Regional Operations Group Supervising Head Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona said trade fairs remain an important mechanism for helping entrepreneurs move into larger markets.

She commended the DTI-CALABARZON team for continuously creating avenues that allow small businesses to showcase their products, strengthen their brand identities, and improve their market competitiveness.

“At the DTI, our goal is to help our entrepreneurs transition from micro to small, from small to medium, and from medium to large enterprises, and ultimately becoming globally competitive businesses and exporters,” Undersecretary Lantayona said.

Beyond immediate sales, organizers said KALAKAL also functions as an incubator for long-term business growth by encouraging entrepreneurs to improve product quality and gain market exposure.

The trade fair is part of the DTI’s broader effort to help MSMEs, which remain a major source of jobs and local economic activity across the Philippines.

Marilyn Del Rosario of Daine, a women-led cacao enterprise under the Association of Daine Lady Farmers in Indang, Cavite, said DTI’s training, packaging assistance, and event placement helped make their locally produced tablea more recognizable in the market.

Del Rosario said the support enabled the enterprise to scale up production.

Valerieza Orio, owner of Nana’s Craft in Angono, Rizal, also credited DTI mentoring initiatives for helping transform her crochet hobby into a viable business.

Orio is a graduate of the Kapatid Mentor ME Program and is currently a mentee under the One Town, One Product Program.

She said DTI’s continued business coaching has opened doors for her to showcase her work at both regional and national trade fairs.

DTI Regional Director Marissa C. Argente lauded the exhibitors for their resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence, describing the trade fair as a gateway to larger consumer markets.

“The success of KALAKAL CALABARZON 2026 reflects the strength and competitiveness of our MSMEs,” Argante said. “Surpassing our sales target demonstrates a growing appreciation for locally made products and the increasing confidence of consumers and buyers in the quality of regional enterprises.”

The trade fair concluded with the presentation of the Most Innovative Product and Top Seller Awards to recognize standout products and strong market performance.

In the food category for innovation, Anitta Café of Batangas won first place.

R3B2P Ube Manufacturing of Rizal placed second, while Café Cuatro PH Coffee Store of Laguna ranked third.

In the non-food innovation category, Olvin Scrapwood Furniture and Antique of Quezon took the top prize.

Wangis Laro at Kwento Corp. of Cavite placed second, while Vin Vie Integrated Farm of Batangas finished third.

For the Top Seller Awards, Mira’s Food and Agriventure Inc. of Batangas won first place in the food category.

Phil. Morinda Citrifolia Inc. of Laguna placed second, while Sauce On Food House of Rizal ranked third.

In the non-food category, Camar Creation Furniture Design Corporation of Quezon claimed the top spot.

Souq Salamanca Artisan Arts and Crafts of Batangas placed second, while Olvin Scrapwood Furniture and Antiques of Quezon ranked third.

DTI said initiatives such as the KALAKAL trade fair continue to strengthen market access for MSMEs, support business growth, create jobs, and bring Filipino craftsmanship to wider markets in the Philippines and abroad. (DTI)