The Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera Administrative Region (DTI-CAR) generated P13.27 million in total sales during the 34th IMPAKABSAT Regional Trade Fair, providing a significant boost for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Held from July 1 to 5 at the Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong, the five-day regional trade fair successfully connected Cordillera entrepreneurs with Metro Manila consumers, corporate buyers, and institutional retailers.
The event’s strategic emphasis on long-term business-to-business (B2) relationships yielded strong results, with booked orders making up 40.9% of total sales at P5.42 million, while direct cash reached P7.84 million. Proactive market matching by organizers also secured a 100% conversion rate of pending business negotiations into confirmed orders by the close of the fair.
DTI Assistant Secretary Leonila T. Baluyot emphasized that the Cordillera’s rich cultural heritage gives its MSMEs a distinct market advantage. She noted that platforms like IMPAKABSAT allow local enterprises to refine their products, adapt to shifting consumer tastes, and scale up for larger domestic and export opportunities. Echoing this sentiment, DTI-CAR Regional Director Atty. Raymond Panhon stated that the showcase continues to expand market access for regional creators, preserving cultural heritage while sharpening the competitive edge of local brands.
The trade fair featured 34 MSMEs showcasing a diverse lineup of handwoven textiles, fashion accessories, handcrafted furniture, home décor, processed food, local coffee, and cacao. The vent highlighted several generational and community success stories fueled by DTI assistance. Marcelino Bumilac, owner of Abella’s House of Arts, shared how DTI’s Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program inspired him to transform his weaving hobby into a formal business in 2017, which now provides livelihoods for 20 partner weavers.
Meanwhile, PDES Batong Asul House of Silver International owner Elizabeth V. Galuba noted that her family business has participated in IMPAKABSAT since its inception following the 1990 Luzon earthquake, helping them preserve Baguio’s iconic tradition of handcrafted sterling silver jewelry. Gift of Grace Food Manufacturing Corporation production head Jovelina Enong added that access to DTI’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) enabled her company to boost production capacity and diversify its product offerings to a broader metropolitan audience.
By geography, Abra posted the highest provincial sales at P5.42 million, largely driven by high wholesale and retail demand of handloom woven products. Baguio-Benguet followed closely with P4.32 million, while Kalinga brought in P2.01 million. Ifugao, Mountain Province, and Apayao collectively contributed over P1.5 million, drawing heavily from direct cash sales.
To recognize exceptional craftsmanship and market performance, DTI-CAR conferred special awards during the closing ceremonies. Trixie Dhel’s Loomweaving and Mondiguing’s Woodcraft were named Top Sellers in the Non-Food sector, while Garcia’s Food Products and Log Cabin Sagada received top honors in the Food sector.
Best booth awards went to Apayao Pasalubong Center and Log Cabin Sagada for food, and Roby’s Pick Woodworks and Siegried Bangyay Pottery for non-food displays. Barruti Health and Beauty Products Trading alongside MA Woven Designs were recognized as the Most Innovative MSMEs for pushing creative boundaries.
Following the trade fair’s strong performance, DTI-CAR said it will continue helping MSMEs strengthen B2B engagements, improve market readiness, and secure more institutional buyers to create sustainable market opportunities for Cordillera enterprises.
