‘Artesanias de Iloilo’ trade fair hopes to connect Iloilo products to big markets

ILOILO CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Iloilo kicked off its 6th Artesanias de Iloilo trade fair, serving as a venue for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The event is meant to connect producers with local consumers and bigger markets.

DTI-Iloilo Director Dorita Chavez, in her message during the opening ceremony on Monday afternoon, said the celebration speaks strongly of their journey.

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The activity carries the theme “Kultura kag Handum: Rooted in Culture, Made for the Future.”

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Chavez said the fair also showcases their culinary arts and culture as Ilonggos.

It is joined by 96 MSMEs, representing key industries, including clusters of coffee, cacao, bamboo, coconut, processed food, wearables and homestyle.

“While we honor where we came from, we must also prepare for where we are going. And this is where innovation and entrepreneurship come in,” Chavez said.

She emphasized that participating MSMEs transformed from traditional to innovative, local to market-ready, and from small beginnings to greater opportunities.

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“We must not simply preserve our traditions. We must find ways to make them relevant, competitive, and sustainable for the future. That is what we see in Artesanías,” she added.

The organizers said that their vision is for Iloilo products to move beyond trade fairs, from the local market to major cities, from local buyers to the national market, and from the Philippines to the global marketplace.

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The seven-day event, which runs until October 4, seeks to generate P4.5 million in sales. /apl