DTI-Albay 2022 Sa’od trade fair generates P26.8-M sales

By Cyryl L. Montales

LEGAZPI CITY --- The assistance of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Albay to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises’(MSMEs) Sa’od trade fair gathered 26.8 million generated sales this year.

A total of 12 Sa’od trade fair were successfully conducted by the DTI-Albay with 230 assisted MSMEs, Nabol announced during the media forum yesterday, Dec. 21, Wednesday.

‘’We are helping the MSME’s to develop, market, and promote their product to generate sales through Sa’od trade fairs as well as providing them seminars, startup kits and equipment,’’ DTI Albay Provincial Director Dindo Nabol stated.

From February to this month, 11 trade fairs were held locally in Albay with 190 MSMEs assisted, a total of P16.4 million were accumulated.

‘’Province of Albay is the very first to go outside the region with local MSME’s six-day Sa’od trade fair held in Shangri-La Hotel, Manila on November 25-30, 2022,’’Nabol stated.

According to Nabol the generated sales on Sa’od trade fair in manila was P11.2 million that surpassed their P8 million target sales.

Experiential tourism, such as basket weaving, pottery making (throwing), coconut products and pilinut cracking on the Albay Artisan Village were another highlight on the trade fair that generated such sales.

‘’DTI-Albay and Provincial Government of Albays’ (PGA) total expense was P750,000,’’said Nabol.

‘’The 40 MSMEs we assisted shouldered only their travel expenses and logistics, also they weren’t charged with any participation and area fee,’’ Nabol stated.

MSME’s locally produced products that is ‘tatak albayano’ were sold at a very reasonable price.

Nabol highlighted that during the Sa’od trade fair in Manila, various investors became interested to invest on the products showcased in the event.

MSMEs One Town One Product (OTOP) Nook and Hub

DTI-Albay also upgraded their marketing assistance to MSME’s through the One Town One Product (OTOP) Nook and Hub.

It aims to promote Albay local products for wider market access and inclusive growth and development.

OTOP Hub was established last November 8, 2021 at Bicol International Airport (BIA) Alobo, Daraga Albay.

Nabol imparted that 40 MSME’s of OTOP hub were assisted, over 100 world class products displayed with P3.66 million sales generated this year.

‘’We would like to bring the products closer to the people, that is why we established the OTOP Nook and Hub,’’ Nabol stated.

From March to December 7 this year, five OTOP nooks displayed on the corner of the hotels were established, 190 MSME’s assisted with P1.7 million sales generated.

Products displayed inside the hotels and airport will not only help the MSME’s but it will also provide convenience to the customers that would buy souvenirs and ‘pasalubong’ to their homes. (PIA)