Bringing locally crafted products closer to Metro Manila buyers translated into P23.2 million in sales for 31 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Misamis Oriental during the MSME ONE (Opportunity, Network, Exhibition) Expo 2026 held in Makati City from July 24 to 26.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Misamis Oriental, the three-day trade fair generated P9.8 million in cash and booked sales alongside P13.4 million in negotiated sales.
Eight exhibitors sold out their inventories, while several others secured new business leads and established connections with institutional buyers.
DTI Misamis Oriental Officer-in-Charge Provincial Director Jesusa Abear noted that expanding beyond home provinces remains one of the biggest challenges for small businesses. She noted that the expo goes beyond generating immediate sales by helping businesses secure repeat customers and institutional clients long after the event ends.
“One of the biggest struggles of our MSMEs is finding a market, and that is why DTI is here—to help them access bigger, better and more sustainable markets,” Abear said.
DTI Regional Operations Group Assistant Secretary Grace Baluyan added that trade fairs play a crucial role in transforming local goods into competitive brands by providing entrepreneurs a platform to showcase innovation, build industry networks and strengthen commercial viability.
“Trade fairs such as this do more than create market opportunities. They highlight the creativity, resilience and ingenuity of local entrepreneurs,” Baluyan said. She reaffirmed DTI’s commitment to driving enterprise growth through entrepreneurship programs, innovation initiatives, digital transformation, and the agency’s nationwide network of Negosyo Centers.
For participating entrepreneurs, the expo served as a vital gateway to wider markets and sustainable growth.
Representing the creative sector, Chris Gomez Design Studio owner and creative director Chris Gomez of Cagayan de Oro City shared how years of collaborating with DTI inspired him to launch his own brand of handcrafted bags made from locally woven materials. Today, his products have been featured in national exhibitions and international design programs while providing a steady market for local weaving communities.
From Naawan, Triple M Processed Food Production CEO Carren Joy Acut began her entrepreneurial journey with little formal experience until DTI encouraged her to join mentoring programs, including the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME). The training helped turn her Chocolate Coconut Nougat into an award-winning food souvenir, driving greater demand for coconuts sourced from local farmers.
Meanwhile, S C Greengrocery and Food Processing from Claveria, found an innovative way to reduce agricultural waste during peak harvest seasons by turning unsold bananas into “Mr. Clav Banana Vinegar.” Production supervisor Aileme Luma credited DTI’s product development, packaging and marketing support with helping the enterprise reach national buyers and attract large-volume orders.
Featuring an array of regional food, crafts, coffee, wellness products, coconut-based products and home décor, the MSME ONE Expo 2026 demonstrated how sustained promotional support turns local ingenuity into market success, buyer confidence and lasting enterprise growth.
