Manila: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Antique: will showcase local crafts of the province at a national trade fair set in the last quarter of the year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) is scheduled for Oct. 22-28 at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. As early as now, micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) are being advised to prepare their products, as stated by DTI Antique Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist Gevi Kristina Villafuerte.

Villafuerte highlighted that the NACF provides MSMEs engaged in arts and crafts production a platform to promote and market their products. Additionally, it serves as an opportunity for these enterprises to meet potential investors or business partners interested in their crafts.

Last year, 18 MSMEs participated in the national event, which was funded by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in coordination with the Office of Senator Loren Legarda and the DTI. The participants successfully generated almost PHP1 million from cash and booked sales, with products ranging from handloom fabric (patadyong) to bamboo crafts, shoes, and apparel.

Villafuerte further mentioned that as part of the preparations for the NACF, the DTI will conduct a One Town, One Product (OTOP) development orientation and provide one-on-one coaching with a designer for the MSMEs on July 2. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of their products for the upcoming NACF display.