The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region IV-A generated significant market opportunities for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the recent 13th KALAKAL CALABARZON Regional Trade Fair.
The five-day event recorded PHP8,456,449.60 million in sales, surpassing its original PHP5 million target and helping local businesses expand their market reach.
The trade fair featured 51 DTI-assisted MSMEs from the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon. The event provided these entrepreneurs with a direct platform to connect with bulk buyers, boost retail sales, and introduce locally made products to a wider market.
DTI Regional Operations Group Supervising Head Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona emphasized the important role these trade fairs play in helping entrepreneurs scale up. She commended the DTI-CALABARZON team for continuously creating avenues that allow small businesses to showcase their products, strengthen their brand identities, and increase 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 noted that KALAKAL serves as an incubator for long-term business growth, prompting entrepreneurs to improve product quality and gain vital market exposure.
Marilyn Del Rosario of Daine, a women-led cacao enterprise under the Association of Daine Lady Farmers in Indang, Cavite, shared that DTI’s training, packaging assistance, and event placement made their locally produced tablea more recognizable in the market, enabling them to scale up production.
Similarly, Valerieza Orio, owner of Nana’s Craft in Angono, Rizal, credited the agency;s mentoring initiatives with transforming her crochet hobby into a viable business. As a graduate of the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program and currently a mentee under the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Program, Orio 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, calling the trade fair 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.”
To recognize outstanding innovation and market performance, the trade fair concluded with the presentation of the Most Innovative Product and Top Seller Awards.
In the food category for innovation, Anitta Café (Batangas) secured first place, followed by R3B2P Ube Manufacturing (Rizal) and Café Cuatro PH Coffee Store (Laguna). In the non-food category, Olvin Scrapwood Furniture and Antique (Quezon) took top honors, with Wangis Laro at Kwento Corp. (Cavite) and Vin Vie Integrated Farm (Batangas) rounding out the top three.
For the Top Seller Awards, Mira’s Food and Agriventure Inc. (Batangas) won first place in the food category, followed by Phil. Morinda Citrifolia Inc. (Laguna) and Sauce On Food House (Rizal). In the non-food category, Camar Creation Furniture Design Corporation (Quezon) claimed the top spot, followed by Souq Salamanca Artisan Arts and Crafts (Batangas) and Olvin Scrapwood Furniture and Antiques (Quezon).
Through ongoing initiatives like the KALAKAL trade fair, DTI continues to strengthen market access for MSMEs, helping local businesses grow and create jobs, and bring proudly Filipino craftsmanship to a wider audience both at home and abroad.
