Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Western Visayas achieved over PHP 1 million in sales during the KULTURA Fest: Philippine Trade Fair 2025, held from February 26 to March 2 at Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The event featured 30 MSMEs from Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental, showcasing a wide range of premium products at the Panublion Western Visayas booth. These included fresh produce, homestyle and wearable items, shell crafts, delicacies, hablon, natural wellness products, food items, and artisanal crafts, all highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

“This remarkable achievement reflects the competitive quality of Western Visayas products and the resilience of our local entrepreneurs,” said Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VI Director Rachel Nufable, who visited the booth during the five-day event. “Our MSMEs continue to prove that Western Visayas craftsmanship can compete at the national level.”

The PHP 1 million in sales included direct cash purchases, booked orders, and deals under negotiation.

DTI Region VI spearheaded the region’s participation in collaboration with four One Town, One Product (OTOP) Hub cooperators. The KULTURA Fest gathered exhibitors from 16 regions across the Philippines, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Negros Island Region.

“This platform has been invaluable for our local entrepreneurs, providing them with opportunities to gain exposure, establish new business connections, and expand their market reach beyond Western Visayas,” Nufable added.

The KULTURA Fest serves as an essential platform for promoting regional products and supports the government’s efforts to strengthen the MSME sector, which is a key driver of inclusive economic growth and employment in the Philippines.

Local entrepreneurs interested in participating in future trade fairs and OTOP initiatives are encouraged to contact their nearest DTI provincial office for more information.