MANILA, Philippines – Nasa 41 lokal na negosyante mula sa anim na probinsya sa Bicol Region ang nagpakita ng kanilang mga produkto sa pagbubukas ng Bicol Coconut Trade Fair na inorganisa ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) nitong Martes, Agosto 19.
Ang five-day fair ay tatakbo hanggang Agosto 23 na may sales target na P1.5 milyon.
Ayon kay Victor Emmanuel Castro, hepe ng DTI-5 business development division, bukod sa pagkakaroon ng kita, layon ng DTI na tulungan ang mga local entrepreneur na kumonekta sa institutional buyers year-round.
“We want them to establish connections with institutional buyers, which will ensure that they can receive orders for their products throughout the year,” aniya.
Nirerepresenta ng trade fair ang lahat ng tulong ng DTI sa mga negosyante.
“Our support includes skills development, product development and improvements in labeling. We also offer ideas on how to enhance their products. The trade fair is the ultimate test of these interventions, providing them an opportunity to sell their products and increase their income,” dagdag pa ni Castro.
Ibinenta sa fair ang virgin coconut oil (VCO), VCO-based soap, coco coir, orchid hangers, coconut wine, coconut vinegar, coconut flour, coconut-based native delicacies at accessories mula sa mga niyog.
Nagpasalamat naman si Sofia Juserhine Bucad, division chief ng Philippine Coconut Authority, sa DTI sa inisyatibo nito na i-promote ang coconut industry sa rehiyon.
“I truly believe that the progress our coconut products have made for our farmers is significant. Previously, their market reach was limited, but now it has expanded globally. This has been the DTI’s greatest contribution in enhancing and broadening the market for coconut products,” ani Bucad. RNT/JGC
