Jamaine Punzalan

Article (news)

Carlos Trazo

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17757855132311775785509468.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Photo from DTI/Facebook</div>MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched the 2026 Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair in Mandaluyong City, showcasing some 300 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque underscored the fair’s role in strengthening Filipino MSMEs both locally and globally. She pointed out that the Philippines has a vast domestic market of nearly 115 million people, while exports have also shown strong growth.“In 2025, we hit the highest export numbers. In January this year, exports grew by 7.9 percent, and in February, by 8 percent — the highest since the beginning of time. Behind every export-quality product is an MSME that dared to start small and go the distance,” Roque said.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17757855840981775785581341.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Photo from DTI/Facebook</div>She added that agricultural products are now among the biggest contributors to export growth, posting double-digit increases. “Where MSMEs grow, the Filipino economy grows, the community grows, and the family has a better life. So let’s continue to support MSMEs as aggressively as we can,” she said.Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, meanwhile, described the fair as “like touring the Philippines with nothing more than a full appetite,” noting how every booth tells a story and every product reflects Filipino ingenuity.“We talk about harvests such as rice, fish, coconut, and cacao. But raw produce is only the beginning. The real work begins when MSMEs step in and turn these products into greater value — longer shelf life and wider reach,” Laurel said.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17757855985001775785596667.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Photo from DTI/Facebook</div>He emphasized that innovation is key to transforming local harvests into globally competitive goods, but stressed that accessibility remains a priority. “At the same time, we remain focused on keeping food within the reach of every Filipino family, especially during these challenging times,” he added.Laurel praised the creativity of Filipino entrepreneurs, saying: “Every bite carries a hometown, and every product proves that Filipino ingenuity is alive, thriving, and delicious.”“This fair is proof that our farmers and MSMEs are not just producers — they are innovators who bring pride to the country,” he said. <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17757856269361775785624689.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Photo from DTI/Facebook</div>DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Bautista highlighted three drivers shaping the stronger food sector, namely coconut-based products, halal-certified goods, and innovations from former overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) turned entrepreneurs.“When we speak of coconut, we are seeing a shift already to high-value, market-ready goods such as virgin coconut oils, coco sugar, and plant-based innovations. Certification, especially for halal, is very important — it builds trust and opens global markets. Certification is our passport to global markets,” Bautista said.DTI noted that the National Food Fair has continued to grow in terms of sales, visitor turnout, and support from both local and international buyers. The event underscores the government’s push to empower Filipino MSMEs, positioning them to thrive in both domestic and global markets.<div> </div>

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched the 2026 Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair in Mandaluyong City, showcasing some 300 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched the 2026 Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair in Mandaluyong City, showcasing some 300 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

DTI opens National Food Fair, highlights MSME growth and global opportunities

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DTI opens National Food Fair, highlights MSME growth and global opportunities

Carlos Trazo,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 10, 2026 09:47 AM PHT

Read More:

DTI

Department of Trade and Industry

Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair Opening Ceremony

Francisco Tiu Laurel

Nylah Bautista

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