Duty Free, DTI partner for Go Lokal store

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine tourism sector is seen to further contribute to the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country as it launches the first Go Lokal store in a Duty Free Philippines mall.

Earlier this week, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in cooperation with Duty Free Philippines Corp. (DFPC) opened a Go Lokal! branch at the Duty Free Philippines Fiestamall in Pasay City.

Go Lokal!, an initiative of the DTI, is a retail concept store showcasing quality local products created by Filipino MSME.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo applauded the DTI for spearheading the promotion of Filipino culture and industry through the retail concept store.

“As a government agency, we have a responsibility to promote the best from our local entrepreneurs, and the biggest help we can extend to our MSMEs is by showcasing the talent and skill of the Filipino. In this manner we continue showing the world that Philippine made is high-quality yet reasonably priced,” Teo said.

DFPC is an attached agency of the DOT which aims to bring duty and tax free goods, which includes local products, available to international travelers and balikbayans.

The DOT said the new Go Lokal store is in line with the objective of the DFPC to become the ultimate top-of-mind destination for pasalubong, the Filipino tradition of travelers bringing gifts from visited destinations to people back home, for both local and foreign visitors. 

“By ensuring that our foreign visitors have easy access to the wide array of locally-made products, we are also ensuring that our culture and identity as a people are shared with the rest of the world,” Teo added.

DFPC Chief Operating Officer Vicente Pelagio Angala underscored the role of Go Lokal! in making Pinoy products known in the international market as well as in helping local start-up and small businesses.

 “This partnership will help us realize our vision of showcasing the Filipino culture to the world and contribute in the government’s effort to revitalize the country’s heart.” Angala added.

The Go Lokal! store showcases products crafted by artisans across the country ranging from snacks made from local materials, to home decors, toys, work-study essentials such as backpacks, journals, desk organizers, to wearables and textile-based accessories that include shawls, stylish purses, and shoes.  

“To the men and women who have been involved in this project and to our local entrepreneurs who will get to showcase their products, may this day mark the beginning of a very successful venture — one that the DOT will support,” Teo said.