by: Jose Robert Inventor

The Department of Trade and Industry in Pangasinan has expressed confidence that more micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province can compete and participate in major national trade fairs such as Manila FAME and IFEX.

Pangasinan MSMEs first joined Manila FAME in 2023, one of the country’s leading biannual trade fairs.

Ten enterprises from the province took part, marking a major milestone for local entrepreneurs.

Agrarian reform beneficiary Rick Bautista said participating in trade fairs has helped expand the reach of his business beyond his local community.

“It is a big help because more people get to know our products, unlike before when it was limited to the community. Through social media and trade fairs, our products become more visible,” he said.

Following the opening of the CARP Tindahan in Asingan, officials noted that more MSMEs in the province showed potential to showcase their products in other large trade fairs.

DTI Pangasinan Provincial Director Natalia Dalaten said the agency is looking forward to sending more local businesses to IFEX and similar events.

“We are looking forward to more MSMEs joining IFEX, and we will assess which ones are ready,” she said.

Dalaten added that the DTI continues to conduct training programs and business monitoring to prepare entrepreneurs for larger markets.

“We make sure they are prepared through training and continuous monitoring of their business operations,” she said.

DTI Ilocos Region Director Merlie Membrere said exposing MSMEs to trade fairs helps improve their competitiveness.

“When they join these events, their marketability is really seen. We prepare them to be competitive,” she said.