DTI showcases Sorsogon’s coconut products in trade fair

By Benilda Recebido

SORSOGON CITY --- At least 27 entrepreneurs from this province showcased their coconut-based products at the GoConut Trade Fair organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City.

The trade fair, which ran from August 28 to 31, provided a platform for entrepreneurs to highlight Sorsogon’s best coconut products across four major sectors: food and delicacies, handicrafts and fashion, wellness and beauty, and the creative industry.

During the event, visitors and buyers discovered a diverse selection of coconut-based food and delicacies, including coconut pili jam, ginataang santol, macaroons, vinegar, coco sugar, buko pies and tarts, conserva de pili, and other Sorsoganon coconut products.

In the handicrafts and fashion sector, attendees found an array of items such as bags, woven products, ornaments, baskets, Christmas decor, accessories, hats, slippers, and packaging materials, all crafted from coconut and other local resources that showcase the region’s artistry.

In addition, wellness and beauty products were prominently featured, such as virgin coconut oil, botanical soaps, bath oils, lip balms, herbal remedies, and various coconut-based skincare essentials.

The creative industry also made a strong presence with sculptures, clothing designs inspired by coconut, and other innovative products that highlighted the province’s creativity.

Over the course of four days, the trade fair generated a total of P1.5 million in cash sales and P1.9 million in booked orders, according to Ma. Lourdes Pancho, the DTI director for Sorsogon.

“Our main goal here is to generate orders, especially from Manila-based buyers. I truly believe that this trade fair is the best avenue to promote our products because if we only rely on the Sorsogon market, it will remain very limited. That’s why we need to bring our products outside Sorsogon, particularly to Manila, where the buyers, exporters, and big distributors are,” Pancho emphasized.

She emphasized that ongoing orders are essential to ensure that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) do not run out of opportunities. This continuity allows their workers and families to maintain a stable source of livelihood that can truly sustain them.

Katherine Espedido from Lovehandcrafted Shop in Balogo, Sorsogon, one of the participating MSMEs, mentioned that the Manila market has opened up new opportunities for them and strengthened their connections with buyers.

“We were almost sold out, and at the same time, we also received purchase orders and international inquiries. This has truly been a big help for us,” Espedido shared.

Her shop specializes in crafting Christmas decorations and ornaments using indigenous materials such as coconut shells, coir, buri (palm), pandan, and karagomoy. This venture not only generated sales but also provided valuable customer feedback and established new supplier networks that can help her business grow.

She noted that the feedback from buyers has been incredibly helpful, as it has allowed her to better understand their needs, preferences, and dislikes. This information has provided her with valuable insights and benchmarking opportunities, while also enabling her to connect with other MSMEs and potential suppliers.

Meanwhile, Dominga Teresa Garcia Yoo of Bahi Enterprises in Gubat, Sorsogon, another participating MSME, shared that their coco-pili jam, ginataang santol, coconut vinegar, and macaroons have become bestsellers at Shangri-La Plaza.

“This has greatly helped us because our coconut products were given a venue for a bigger market, not just in Manila but with the possibility of reaching other countries as well. If that happens, it will be easier for us to fulfill our mission as entrepreneurs—to work hand in hand with our farmers and coconut growers so they can earn a better income in the coming years,” Yoo narrated.

She stated that through the event MSMEs like hers were able to support coconut farmers by demonstrating how every part of the coconut can be converted into value-added products.

Both exhibitors expressed their gratitude to DTI Sorsogon for their commitment to organizing the trade fair.

“The DTI service is above and beyond. We really feel their concern for MSMEs,” Espedido said.

“If not for DTI and their hard work, this kind of opportunity would not have been possible for us,” Yoo added. (Bertuldo Jr Bueza contributed to this report/ PIA Bicol/Sorsogon)

Cover Photo: Visitors explore the booths at the Sorsogon GoCoconut Trade Fair held at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City, where local MSMEs showcased their coconut-based products. (Photo: Ester Hamor)