Over 100 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the different areas in Western Visayas took part in the annual Panublion trade fair organized by the Department of Trade and Industry – Western Visayas (DTI-6).
The five-day trade fair which opened last Nov 13, 2021 at SM City Iloilo in Mandurriao district featured 123 exhibitors composed of 46 food and 77 non-food products.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, DTI-6 Regional Director Rebecca Rascon said they aim to generate P10 million worth of sales from the trade fair.
“We are hopeful that we can hit the ambitious target with the easing of restrictions, we can have more buyers online and face-to-face,” Rascon said in a virtual press conference last Friday.
Rascon added they have invited institutional buyers from Manila who will be participating in the fair virtually.
Aside from the physical stalls, the 2021 Panublion will also feature product demonstration and food tasting of several products as well as awarding of outstanding MSMEs and their produce during the closing ceremony.
“We will conduct product demonstrations on how to make the products and we will also award outstanding MSMEs,” Rascon added.
Despite the popularity of online selling, Rascon stressed that there is still a demand for physical selling as many consumers still prefer buying goods physically.
“There is still a demand for physical selling or stores. Some consumers wish to consume the goods immediately or take them home. So, we still recognize that.” she said.
Rascon said that through the trade fair, they hope to create market opportunities for the MSMEs as well as prepare them for the future.
“We are hopeful that they can bounce back. That is why we are assisting the MSMEs to prepare them for the future. We are helping them to identify the needs of the target market and raise their awareness in terms of online transactions. We hope to create future-ready MSMEs,” she said.
Meanwhile, she assured that proper health protocols will be observed during the trade fair. As part of the requirement, only vaccinated exhibitors were allowed to take part in the exhibit. (ERS)
