Manila: Local pottery makers in Albay are gaining opportunities to reach new customers and expand their markets through a trade fair organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Albay. The four-day Sa'od Albay Trade Fair 2026 featuring Disenyo Ceramika, at Ayala Malls Legazpi until the weekend, provides micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with a venue to promote and sell locally made products while connecting with potential clients.

According to Philippines News Agency, Leonardo Clado, president of the Putsan Ceramic Manufacturer Association Inc., expressed that DTI trade fairs give local pottery makers opportunities to showcase their products beyond their hometowns. "This is a big privilege for us pottery makers, especially because DTI regularly conducts trade fairs where we can showcase our products not only in Tiwi but also here in Legazpi," Clado said.

Clado highlighted that one of the major benefits of participating in DTI-organized trade fairs is the opportunity to establish new business connections. "The biggest benefit is that we can find different clients and gain new customers," he said.

The fair features ceramic jars, lamps, vases, keychains, and other pottery products, along with bamboo and coco shell crafts, food, agricultural products, and other goods produced by Albay MSMEs.

Maritess Colina of D'Natureland Pottery in Tiwi commented, "This is a good program of DTI. We join every year to display our products. It is a big help to MSMEs because it supports our livelihood since this is our source of income." Colina, who has been making pottery products for 17 years, handles the painting of their products and also assists with marketing.

She noted that the DTI invites them to participate in trade fairs in other areas, including Manila, providing additional opportunities to introduce their products.