DTI plans more programs to connect suppliers to buyers

CEBU, Philippines - Farmers and local suppliers will soon be able to connect directly with the buyers of their products as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) is lining up programs within the region to seal closer relationship between the two sectors.

One of these programs is the flea market-inspired event, Panglao Weekend Bazaar happening on December 18-30 in Panglao Island, Bohol.  The event serves as a Speed Matching Activity for resort establishments in Panglao and MSME suppliers in Central Visayas for products that can be sourced out locally.

 “We would like to strengthen [further] the relationship between the local suppliers and their target market, usually the resorts, hotels  and restaurants,” said DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte.

If found successful, Caberte said they will also hold the same event in Cebu, Negros, and Siquijor, and eventually may be implemented nationwide.

Caberte, who is also the DTI National Cluster Manager for tourism support industry, said that connecting producers to the end users can help lower the cost of raw materials, and at the same time, encourage institutions to buy local produce instead of buying imported products.

Aside from livestock and other farm products from local farmers, institutions particularly those engaged in tourism related businesses,  are also encouraged to patronize the Visayas-made or Filipino-made furniture and accessories.

According to Caberte, there is a need for tourism facility players to patronize locally made products, not only for food preparation requirements, but also for decors, furniture, utensils, and other uses.

Adapting the ProPinoy advocacy will help the country realize real inclusive growth, added Caberte.

The Speed Matching activity is not relatively new as a similar program was already implemented in Cebu before wherein Cebu-based resorts, hotels, and restaurant operators  were brought to Northern Mindanao to meet with the suppliers of vegetables, fresh meat and other raw materials needed for hotel and restaurant operation.

The program is seen to complement with DTI’s move to boost the social entrepreneurs  providing them wider access to market.

Caberte said the agency will also  craft a program designed to connect with the social entrepreneurs, recognizing that this type of business venture will strengthen the government’s effort to achieve inclusive growth.

On top of this program, DTI has also existing support programs that can be exploited by social entrepreneurs including helping them in organizational set-up (professionalism), market linkage, product design, and marketing assessment, among others, Caberte added. (FREEMAN)