Boracay island: Six micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Antique are set to participate in a market-matching activity during the Regional Negosyo Links organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, from September 30 to October 2. Antique Provincial Director Mary Jade Gonzales announced that these MSMEs will engage with other enterprises and hotel owners or managers in Boracay to promote and secure orders for their products.

According to Philippines News Agency, the participating MSMEs are involved in coconut production and related coconut-based products. The list of participants includes the Goldensun Coconut Farmers Producers Cooperative, San Andrew Coconut Farmers Association, Ariana Coco, Al Bin Packaging Services, Callan BEC Livelihood Association, and Haring Uling. These enterprises have received DTI training in areas such as labeling and packaging, equipping them to handle bulk orders efficiently.

The event will also feature a trade fair, offering MSMEs the opportunity to sell their products directly to consumers. This year's event is funded by the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF), highlighting the coconut industry's significance. The CFITF, established under Republic Act 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, aims to support and implement programs benefiting coconut farmers and workers.

The initiative, which began as a project of DTI Aklan, was adopted by the regional office last year, further emphasizing its importance in promoting local enterprises.