Go Lokal! Pinoy products that can be the next big thing

There are many big things that started really small. One of them is Spanx, which, though an American product, is a role model that breaks boundaries to inspire micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) around the world.

According to online sources, Spanx founder Sara Blakely, then 27, was a door-to-door fax salesman before she wondered if she could find pantyhose that didn’t have seamed toes because she was sweltering in them.

She innovated, cut the seamed part of the pantyhose, and innovated some more. After investing her life savings of $5,000 into her venture, Spanx was born, raking in over $250 million in revenues in 2014, according to a profile of Blakely published in Forbes that year.

Those who have worn Spanx in their life know that basically, it’s pantyhose trimmed above the knee. But Blakely tweaked the good ol’ pantyhose and made it figure-shaping. The product also embraced women of all sizes.

Yes, MSMEs can make it big. Local can go global, as Spanx has — from Atlanta to the world.

Beautiful products from micro, small and medium enterprises at the Department of Trade and Industry’s Buyers’ Day.

In the Philippines, an MSME in garments that has made it to the big time here and abroad is Bench; for bags and leather goods, Fino, SC Vizcarra and Aranaz. For food there is Oishi, Mama Sita’s, Antonio Pueo and Malagos.

Thus, it is always an inspiration to attend the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI’s) “Buyers’ Day” for the MSMEs. It presents an opportunity for buyers to check out the new products of over 100 MSMEs from the product development program of the Design Center of the Philippines, exclusively for Go Lokal! Go Lokal! is the leading retail concept store that showcases innovative products crafted, designed and manufactured by the country’s MSMEs.

At the recent Buyers’ Day held at the DTI building in Makati graced by buyers from Rustan’s, SM Kultura, Robinson’s and CityMall, among others, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said, “It’s really a big win for the MSMEs. As you know, this initiative is really meant to elevate and upgrade the kind of MSMEs that we have. We want them to be discovered. We want them to be empowered. We want to give them the mainstream place that they deserve — retail malls and outlets, which are our partners. It’s different when they are given the chance to succeed.

“They have beautiful products,” added Lopez. “In fact, the incentive for them to be given exposure is for them to upgrade and make their products marketable, to be able to compete in the malls.”

Lopez explained that it was not enough for MSMEs to exhibit their products in fairs and exhibit halls that may not be easily accessible to the people.

“Remember, we are focusing on the MSMEs and their products that have not yet or are not able to enter the mainstream market. What is the mainstream market? These are the malls — where people go, where people shop, where the crowd is. We don’t want to be on the fifth floor or in trade fairs that last only three days. We want to be seen every day, where the crowd is, where the market is.” 

Right now, DTI has 300 accredited MSMEs, up from over a hundred.

“We also reached over P13 million in sales. This is just the beginning,” Lopez announced proudly, pointing out that Go Lokal! was launched only last year.

He disclosed that there are 260 new product collections from new and existing Go Lokal! suppliers or over 510 new collections for the season.

Assistant Secretary Gaetos, Secretary Lopez and director Rhodora Leaño (second and fifth from left and extreme right) with Top Brand Discoveries of 2017 awardees (from left) OTOP consultant Leon Flores (representing Lipi Shoes’ Joseph Lucero), Gifts and Graces’ Victoria Jalandoni, Vicky’s Pili and Food Products’ Myra Zandra Gestiada and Greenlife Coconut Products’ Ma. Frances Rubio.

Lopez lauded the DTI team for its staunch promotion of MSMEs and Go Lokal!: Undersecretaries Nora K. Terrado and Ireneo Vizmonte; Assistant Secretaries Rosvi Gaetos, Abdulgani Macatoman and Ernesto Perez; director Rhodora Leaño and assistant director Marievic Bonoan.

Lopez also cited Go Lokal!’s partnership with Shopinas, which he said would bring the concept store online and “bring limitless possibilities in terms of exposure and sales to participants.”

During the Buyers’ Day, the DTI also gave awards to the Top Brand Discoveries of 2017.

“These are startups that fulfilled their goal of creating value, supporting dramatic bottom-line results and acting as a strategic asset to customers worldwide,” said Gaetos, who spearheads Go Lokal!

“The beauty of this project is that we’re making a change in the lives of these MSMEs. We are giving them hope. And to us, that’s the most important thing about this program,” Lopez concluded.

After all, every MSME’s success is the nation’s good fortune.

(For more information, visit the Go Lokal! showroom at DTI-East Wing, G/F, DTI building, 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City or call 751-3223.)