If you passed by SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls last July 23 to 27, you probably saw the crowd, the colors, and the buzz of excitement coming from the 2025 DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair. It was loud, in a good way. And if you actually went inside, you’d know why everyone was talking about it.

Hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), this year’s trade fair brought together nearly 300 exhibitors from all over the Philippines. We’re talking about everything from heirloom crafts and wellness goods to upcycled home décor, sustainable fashion, and even tech-powered solutions. The mix of old-school craftsmanship and modern creativity was wild, in the best way possible.

What made this year’s fair extra special was the focus on green innovation. DTI really leaned into sustainability this time around. One highlight? The Philippine Sustainability Pavilion. This area was all about showing how we can take native and indigenous materials, like bamboo, abaca, and even native grasses, and turn them into high-value products fit for both local and global markets. It was the kind of display that makes you go, “Wait, this is made here?!”

But beyond the booths and displays, the fair was also one big learning space. They had live skills demos, themed exhibit zones, and business development seminars for aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you’re just someone who loves local finds or you’re running a small biz, there was a lot to pick up, from product design ideas to market access tips and ways to scale sustainably.

And let’s not forget the numbers. In 2024, the fair hosted 273 MSMEs and pulled in almost 28,000 visitors. That year, they racked up a whopping ₱73.2 million in total sales, with over ₱62 million in cash sales and booked orders alone. Not bad, right? That momentum clearly carried into 2025, with even more booths, more features, and a whole lot of energy around Filipino-made products.

This year’s fair also backed the Tatak Pinoy Strategy, a DTI push to build a strong domestic economy powered by homegrown brands that can thrive locally and compete globally. The MSMEs featured weren’t just small businesses, they were proof of how Filipino innovation, creativity, and resourcefulness are keeping up in a fast-changing world.

The best part? Admission was free and open to everyone. It didn’t matter if you were a student, a buyer, a small business owner, or just someone who loves a good market, you could walk in, support local, and discover something new.

DTI also made sure people could follow along online. They kept things updated across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and even X (formerly Twitter), all under @DTI.BMDPO, plus a handy email at [email protected] if you wanted more info.

So now that it’s over, what’s the takeaway? Simple: local is leveling up. Filipino MSMEs are no longer just “cute small brands.” They’re building, competing, innovating, and we’re all better off for it.

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Barbie Forteza is on the cover of STYLISH Magazine right now, as she shares her thoughts on her new phase in her career with her new television series Beauty Empire.

Read our cover story here.

The #StylishPodcast episode with Barbie Forteza is now up! Watch it here.

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