CATARMAN, Northern Samar (PIA) — Bahandi Eastern Visayas Trade Fair attained more than P44 million in cash sales and booked sales out of the P35 million target, according to DTI Northern Samar Provincial Director Mimosa B. Regis.
The trade fair held on October 11 to 15, 2023, at the Megatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall, displayed a wide array of products, from local handicrafts, wearables, and housewares to various native delicacies and baked goodies pili products.
Prospective buyers mill around the various booths selling assorted products from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) coming from the six provinces of Eastern Visayas, at the Bahandi Trade Fair in Manila. (Photo courtesy of DTI Northern Samar)
The province of Northern Samar in particular also exceeded the target sales of more than P8 million.
Director Regis said the number of products from Northern Samar alone has grown significantly over the past years, and this is due to the efforts of Negosyo Center Business Councilors present in 24 towns of the province, as well as the training extended by the agency in generating products and developing microentrepreneurs.
Imelda Engo of Chesmae Nuts and Sweets expressed that, with the assistance of DTI, they transformed their small business. They were able to acquire a delivery vehicle, and her husband, previously working as a seaman, now stays for good to help in the business.
One of the exhibitors from Catarman, Northern Samar shows her handicraft products at the Bahandi Eastern Visayas Trade Fair. (Photo courtesy of DTI Northern Samar)
Another recipient of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) assistance, the owner of Maturan Pili Candies, said that from a starting capital of P50,000, it has now increased to P300,000.
DTI Northern Samar has continued to campaign and advocate to support the MSMEs, saying the province has a lot to offer with the availability of raw materials.
“Let us love our own and support our small business entrepreneurs,” DTI Provincial Director Regis appealed. (MMP/AND/PIA N. Samar)
