ILOILO City – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Iloilo is encouraging Ilonggos to support local entrepreneurs holding the annual trade fair “Artesanias de Iloilo”.
DTI Iloilo director Ma. Dinda Tamayo made the call during the official opening of the fair on Monday afternoon, September 23, at a mall here.
“I was pleasantly surprised to see so many products that I didn’t realize were made here in Iloilo. There’s a week left for everyone to explore and experience what Iloilo and Artesanias have to offer, and DTI-Iloilo is proud to celebrate this because it represents the fruits of our labor,” Tamayo said.
A total of 125 exhibitors, mostly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across Iloilo province, are participating in this year’s event—an increase from previous years. Among the products showcased are native delicacies, bamboo items, coffee, hablon fabric, native bags, souvenirs, processed goods, wearables, homestyle items, cocoa products, and high-value coconut products.
Tamayo also expressed her delight that Muslim exhibitors are part of the fair, offering halal food, and that several startup businesses have joined the event as well.
For 2024, DTI Iloilo aims to achieve sales of P3.8 million, surpassing last year’s target of P3.5 million. In 2023, the department exceeded its goal by generating P3.6 million in revenue.
The “Artesanias de Iloilo” fair will run until September 29 at Robinsons Iloilo Foundation Area.
Calendar of Events for Artesanias de Iloilo 2024:
* Bamboo Shoot Product Testing; Bamboo Weaving Crafts Demonstration; Bamboo Product Competition (organized by Iloilo Bamboo Industry Development Council) – September 24
* Cultivating Coconut and Business Opportunity (organized by the Philippine Coconut Authority) – September 25
* Orientation on Halal Certification and Marketing Opportunities for Muslim-Friendly Products (organized by DTI-Region 9) – September 26
* FDA-LTO Documentary Requirements and Basic Food Lab Requirements (organized by SGS Philippines Incorporated) – September 26
* Hablon Weaving Pattern Competition and Craft Demonstrations (including Belgian Lace Making, Hablon Weaving, Crochet Making, and Decorative Pot Painting, organized by the Iloilo Weavers Association and Iloilo W&H Provincial Council) – September 27
* Table Brewing (organized by Tigbaw Tablea) – September 28
* Flavored Table Brewing (organized by Sogñare by Doc’s HAVEN and Sunburst Tablea) – September 28
* Coffee Brewing (organized by Equilibrium Intergrade Corporation) – September 29
* Awarding Ceremony (organized by DTI-Iloilo) – September 29/PN