LOKO OVER LOKAL

Kultura, in partnership with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), recently launched its first Go Lokal! area on May 17 at SM Makati. DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and SM Investments Corporation vice-chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson together with DTI Undersecretary Nora Terrado led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Go Lokal! opening.

The Go Lokal! program showcases quality and innovative Philippine products crafted, designed and produced by the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It will serve as a marketing platform for MSMEs to gain access to the lucrative local consumer market, and ultimately, to the global export market.

“Kultura and Go Lokal! are complementary avenues to help our local MSMEs gain retail foothold in the Philippine domestic market,” says Lopez. “We are pleased to open a Go Lokal! together with Kultura as a testament of our collective thrust of inclusive growth and development of our MSMEs.”

Kultura, in the meantime, has become a showcase of local artistry and craftsman- ship. By partnering with DTI for the Go Lokal! Project, “it furthers its advocacy by providing a venue for the distribution and promotion of products sourced from MSMEs,” says Kultura’s Ivy Yap.

Go Lokal!’s products are produced by regional and provincial suppliers nationwide and from the DTI’s One Town One Product (OTOP) Next Generation Program, offering consumers, institutional buyers and tourists value for money.

These are products made from indigenous materials but modern in design, world class in packaging, and competitively priced. These products undergo extensive product development from the Design Center of the Philippines to make them suitable for the retail, export and souvenir markets.

The Go Lokal! product selection at Kultura features Living (home décor, table top accessories, dinnerware), Streetstyle (new generation personal accessories and apparel) and Crafts and EcoProducts (regional arts and crafts, woven materials, ethnic and indigenous products, sustainably-made, eco-friendly products).

The Go Lokal! pop-up store opened May 17 and will run throughout the year at the 2nd Level of SM Makati.

The Go Lokal! store opening at Kultura in SM Makati was graced by DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez, SM Investments Corporation vice-chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson and DTI Usec. Nora Terrado

Color-blocked Tausug kambut (sash) transformed into a Tin Wrap by Linea Etnika

Contrast stitching and over-sized red dawendawen (leaves) highlight this Yakan-inspired dress by Linea Etnika.

Yakan Weaver Cooperative’s colorful pillowcases, table runner, and other home accents made of yakan textile

Traditional weaves from various weaving communities in Abra, Ilocos, Benguet and Zamboanga (Basilan) are combined with modern designs by Lipi.

Unique finds at Go Lokal! include this colorfully patterned tikog woven bag by Eva Marie Arts and Crafts, perfect for the sunny days.

Uniquely Filipino designed fans from Casa Mercedes available in Go Lokal! at Kultura.

Linea Etnika exudes e ortless sophistication by combining indigenous weaves with contemporary classic wardrobe staples.

Classy and elegant yet eco-friendly pressed bottles turned into serving platters by Ysa’s Crafts

Multi-colored tikog tote bag from Eva Marie Arts and Crafts

Eva Marie Arts and Crafts’ banig bags made from tikog reeds

Ric Jo International’s buntal bag with capiz shell accent for Go Lokal! at Kultura

Glass and acacia wood used in creating jars and lamps by Wood Classics Enterprises for Go Lokal!, available in Kultura.