MANDALUYONG CITY—The recently concluded 2023 National Food Fair, with its theme “Go Discover, Taste, Enjoy!” ended on a high note after a five-day run from July 12 to 16, 2023, at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Based on the Department of Trade and Industry’s preliminary reports, the fair generated sales amounting to Php 28.271 million (cash, booked and under nego) for the 268 onsite exhibitors and drew more than 29,000 fairgoers.
In his Keynote Address, DTI Secretary Fred Pascual expressed confidence in achieving the goals of the Department aligned with its focus on ‘Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan’, which forms part of the mid-term Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
“One of the programs of the Department is to spur an entrepreneurial revolution and encourage the growth of MSMEs through market access programs as well as e-commerce and digitalization initiatives,” he shared.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez noted the Php1.2 billion 2023 National Budget allocation to fund the upgrading and upskilling of MSME programs. He likewise reiterated the Congress’ continued commitment to advance policies that support Filipino MSMEs.
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda also sent her congratulations through a video message saying, “This activity is highly impactful in enhancing and solidifying connections with the MSME community that will facilitate their economic growth.”
Showcasing the fusion of tradition and innovation, pavilions and MSME clusters drew attention to developments that elevate traditional Filipino products to meet stringent food industry standards and be competitive in the global market. Also, part of the daily program were entrepreneurship talks and learning sessions that provide food entrepreneurs with resources and ideas on how to strengthen and position their businesses for continued growth.
For culinary enthusiasts, renowned Filipino chefs were featured in the daily program of activities with live cooking and food preparation demonstrations. The highlight of the 2023 National Food Fair was a celebration of the diversity and rich heritage of Filipino food through an interactive cultural presentation of the BARMM Pagana Maguindanao, led by Mustafa Ala and Chef Yed Dimaporo.
The daily program of activities were livestreamed and remain accessible on BDTP’s Facebook page at DTI.BDTP.
The 2023 National Trade Fair, scheduled from August 23-27, at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall is the next highlight of the DTI-BDTP. To stay updated about the programs of the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, please follow their social media accounts on Facebook (DTI.BDTP), Instagram (dti.bdtp), and Twitter (@DTI_BDTP). You may also email BDTP Director Marievic M. Bonoan at bdtp@dti.gov.ph.
