CEBU, Philippines - In sync with the drumbeat and cheery spirit of the Sinulog revelry, the Department of Trade and Industry Cebu (DTI-Cebu) aims to hit the targeted sales generation of P6 million after launching its 9th Sinulog Fiesta One Town, One Product (OTOP) Fair at SM City Cebu Atrium recently.
Jointly undertaken with the Cebu City Government and the Sinulog Foundation, Inc., DTI-Cebu formally opened the weeklong exhibit that will run for 12 consecutive days from January 11 to 22.
The annual trade and marketing event showcases a variety of products that ranges from variety of food and non-food sectors, native delicacies, processed food, novelty items, fashion accessories, handicrafts and export-quality furniture.
Around 56 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Cebu and from other neighboring provinces occupy the 62 booths in the fair.
Sinulog Trade Fair Committee Chairman Elias Guia Tecson, who is also the business development division chief of DTI –Cebu, said that they aim to reach P6 million this year which is higher than the P5.6-million sales generated last 2012.
He added that new highlight for this year’s exhibit features health and wellness and tourism-related business in line with the booming performances of both industries.
He cited that DTI continues to strengthen its assisted MSMEs in terms of skills upgrading, product quality, food safety training, packaging and labeling, financing, marketing, technology development, speed matching, access to business-related knowledge and information interventions.
To promote further income opportunities, the government agency initiated the trade fair and exposition to market Cebu MSMEs in time of the Sinulog festivities.
DTI-7 Regional Director Asteria Caberte described OTOP as a marketing strategy to help small-scale entrepreneurs to primarily generate domestic sales and eventually produce a ripple effect in the society as they create more jobs and eases out poverty particularly in the countryside.
She added that unique Cebu brand, along with the vibrancy and resiliency of Cebuanos, has uplifted the entrepreneurship in the locality.
“It continues to inspire us to push forward for the progress of OTOP. The Cebu brand is really working effectively, making our sales very fast. So let’s continue with this brand and work together with the private sector and local government unit,†she stated.
Though the export industry has not yet recovered to the fullest, Caberte further noted that MSME sector simultaneously maintained their position and presence by “maneuvering in the domestic good market.â€
OTOP is a priority program of the government to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs with local chief executives of each city and municipality taking the lead in identifying, developing, and promoting a specific product or service that has a competitive advantage.
It supports the MSME sector to manufacture, offer, and market distinctive products or services through the use of indigenous raw materials and local skills and talents.
The Sinulog Trade Fair first started at the Plaza Independencia in 2003 and has been transferred to SM City Cebu last 2006 for a more strategic venue and regular trade collaboration with the increasing number of participants and growing sales turn-out for MSMEs.
Other exhibit partners include Cebu Gifts, Toys and Housewares (GTH) Foundation and Cebu Fashion Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters (FAME) Foundation. (FREEMAN)