(Image from DTI-Central Luzon)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Tuesday urged the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Central Luzon to explore online platforms to grow their businesses.
DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Blesilda Lantayona, in her message during the opening of the first virtual Likha ng Central Luzon trade fair, said MSMEs should tap social media platforms and other digital tools to widen their reach and be competitive amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
“Pandemic has brought us to another level, forced us to shift to digital marketing or virtual trade fair. Let us try new things how to operate under this new normal,” Lantayona said in the live streamed event.
She said the Covid-19 pandemic has made people turn to digital platforms amid the lockdowns and safe physical distancing rules.
She assured the MSMEs of the agency’s full support in the form of free training to improve their sales.
“Kahit mahirap, kami sa (Even though it is hard, we at the) DTI and other government agencies will be here to support you with or without pandemic,” she added.
Lantayona also asked the participants not only to further improve their products but also to educate the buyers on how to purchase online.
“Let us make it more friendly to our customers because not all ay bihasa sa pamimili online (accustomed to online shopping),” she added.
At least 96 MSMEs in the region joined the first virtual Likha ng Central trade fair that will run until Oct.17.
DTI regional director Judith Angeles called this year’s participants the “brave ones who are ready to take business online.”
Among the products on sale are regionally-produced processed foods, home furnishings, ceramics, holiday decors, jewelry and fashion accessories, footwear, bags and specialized garments like "barong" and gowns.
Angeles asked consumers to patronize local products to help the MSMEs that were hard-hit by the pandemic.
Now on its 22nd year, the trade expo is organized by DTI-Region 3 (Central Luzon) in collaboration with the PLDT Kaasenso Project and with the support of the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., the Regional Development Council-3, Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation, Inc. and the Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprises Development. (PNA)
