The initiative, jointly implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PhilExport), aims to help more micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) enhance their production capacity and meet international trade standards.
DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona emphasized that the mentoring partnership aligns with the Philippine Export Development Act of 1994 or Republic Act 7844, which was principally authored by then Senator Arroyo.
The law continues to serve as the framework for the country’s export strategy, development plans, policies, and promotion of trade incentives and centers.
According to Lantayona, the new partnership will allow MSMEs to take advantage of the Philippines’ existing free trade agreements (FTAs).
She also encouraged participants of the Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair to join the upcoming 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, China, in 2026, where the Philippines will be featured as “Country of Honor” in line with its chairmanship of the ASEAN Summit that year.
She assured that MSME participants will receive full support from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), as strengthened by Executive Order No. 75 signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Arroyo, meanwhile, underscored that aspiring exporters must develop unique local products rooted in their communities — echoing the goal of the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program, which she initiated through Executive Order No. 176 more than two decades ago.
The OTOP program continues to be implemented by DTI to nurture locally made, globally competitive products.
For her part, DTI Central Luzon Director Edna Dizon said this year’s Likha ng Central Luzon showcases the tangible results of OTOP initiatives in areas such as product development, training, marketing, financing, innovation, and digitalization.
“The 27th edition highlights the growing creative industry, especially local artisans. Beyond retail, the trade fair also serves as a venue for institutional and bulk buyers,” Dizon noted.
She added that DTI Region III is working to bring Central Luzon products to European markets, particularly in Frankfurt, Germany, in anticipation of the conclusion of the Philippines-European Union Trade Agreement.
A total of 148 MSMEs joined this year’s trade fair — 77 from the creative industry and 71 from the food sector. Among them, 33 were from Bulacan, 31 from Pampanga, 21 from Bataan, 20 from Nueva Ecija, 15 from Zambales, and 14 each from Tarlac and Aurora.
PhilExport Region III President Philip Repato lauded the new mentoring partnership as a crucial step toward enhancing MSME competitiveness, productivity, and social accountability.
One of the potential exporters, Erykka Jazmeen Nolasco, proprietor of Blue and Pink Philippines from San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, expressed optimism about the program, saying it will help her business meet export standards and expand production. Her enterprise produces handmade leather accessories, currently distributed in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
