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DTI leads opening of Davao’s first Go Lokal store

By Digna Banzon

March 8, 2019, 8:32 pm

DAVAO CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) spearheaded the opening of Davao Region’s first "Go Lokal" store at the Abreeza Mall on Friday.

DTI Region 11 Director Maria Belinda Q. Ambi said Go Lokal is DTI’s retail concept store showcasing the quality and innovative Philippine products designed and produced by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Ambi said the initiative is also a partnership with the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI), describing the store as a marketing platform for MSMEs.

This is the reason why, she said, the store is strategically set up in leading retail stores so that MSMEs can go mainstream and connect to a wider consumer market.

Ambi said the products are of world-class quality having undergone rigid product development interventions through the One Town One Product (OTOP) NextGen Program--a DTI initiative that aims to level up MSME products specifically on design, quality, volume, standards compliance, marketability, brand development.

Authentic Mindanao products will be showcased at the store from textiles to brasswork, bamboo, home-grown cacao-based products, processed fruits and nuts, and other products. The products from Go Lokal's regular Luzon and Visayas suppliers will also be featured.

The store will be managed by MTEFI, a Davao-based non-profit organization committed to MSME development.

MTEFI president Dr. Rosevic Cembrano said managing the Go Lokal store is another milestone for the group. (PNA)

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