DTI-6: ‘Panubli-on’ a big help for WV MSMEs
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Western Visayas (WV) highlighted the importance of the recently concluded 2022 Panublion Regional Trade Fair in helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region to bounce back to hasten economic recovery.
“Padayon lang ang ini nga Panubli-on Trade Fair. I believe, daku gid ini nga bulig sa aton MSMEs nga maka-bounce back para sa aton economic recovery,” Judith Degala, DTI-6 Assistant Regional Director, said during this year’s Panubli-on closing ceremony on November 20 in Iloilo City.
As Degala thanked participating MSMEs and other stakeholders for their involvement in the trade fair, she also called for further stronger collaboration in the region’s economic recovery.
“Let us continue to work towards the economic recovery of Western Visayas,” she said.
Organized by DTI6 since 2003, Panublion Regional Trade Fair provides an avenue for MSMEs in the region to display their products and innovations as well as to earn additional income amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, products featured belong to industry clusters that include bamboo, cacao, processed food, and highvalue coconut products.
Also exhibited were products developed under DTI’s special programs, such as the Youth Entrepreneurship Program, Ubra PWD and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.
A story board on Panubli-on was also displayed at the DTI-6 booth as part of this year’s innovation activities to further communicate to the public the marketing event. Other activities such as assistance on training and mentoring on pitching, conduct of pitch nights with potential foreign investors and conduct of pitching competition with cash and non-cash investments were held to support startups in the region.
Degala said the 2022 Panubli-on has so far generated P10 million, both in cash and booked sales, and with the unaccounted under negotiation transactions, it is hoped that it will meet its target of P15 million.
To cap the five-day event, DTI-6 conferred six awards, which include SME of the Year Award, Heritage Award, Best Product Design, Best Product Collection, Best Product Innovation, and Best Brand Graphics.
“Panubli-on” is an Ilonggo word which means “heritage” that describes the products displayed and has evolved to become a byword of quality, craftsmanship and innovation.