The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) officially opened its 2026 operational year with its first quarter Board of Governors meeting, held at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls – Gallery 1.
Presided over by Executive Director and Vice Chairperson Leah Pulido Ocampo, the session served as a pivotal forum for aligning the agency’s strategic priorities with the evolving demands of the global market.
As the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), CITEM’s 2026 agenda is centered on scaling the international presence of Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The Board reviewed a comprehensive suite of programs designed to bridge the gap between local craftsmanship and global digital trade ecosystems.
The meeting highlighted several key pillars that will define CITEM’s performance over the next twelve months:
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Institutional Performance: Streamlining internal processes to ensure faster, more agile support for Philippine exporters.
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Digital Transformation: Enhancing digital platforms to provide year-round visibility for Filipino brands beyond traditional trade show windows.
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Sustainability & Governance: Reinforcing sound corporate governance to ensure that every peso of the export promotion budget delivers measurable impact for the industry.
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Inter-agency Coordination: Strengthening ties with the DTI and international trade partners to create a unified front for the “Brand Philippines” identity. “Our focus for 2026 is clear: we are not just facilitating trade shows; we are building a resilient ecosystem for Filipino exporters,” said Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo. “By aligning our medium-term goals with high-impact programs, we ensure that the momentum gained in previous years translates into sustained economic growth for our stakeholders.”
The choice of the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls as the venue underscored the agency’s dedication to the physical and cultural spaces that showcase the best of the Philippines. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that CITEM remains a catalyst for innovation, helping local industries navigate the complexities of the international trade landscape while maintaining the highest standards of transparency and institutional integrity.
As CITEM moves forward into the second quarter, the resolutions passed during this session will serve as the foundation for upcoming flagship events and international trade missions, ensuring the Philippines remains a competitive and preferred source of quality products and services worldwide.
