TOURISM Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, Presidential Son William Vincent Marcos, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps and private sector in the opening ceremony of the Department of Trade and Industry’s National Food Fair (NFF) 2025) at the SM Megamall Trade Hall, Wednesday (April 9).
Spearheaded by Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, the event is organized by the DTI’s Bureau of Market Development, and OTOP (DTI-BMDPO). It gathered some 250 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to showcase true Filipino craftsmanship and delicacies where the public can visit for free and purchase products at an affordable price, especially on wholesale.
“Marami na rin ang mga dayuhan na humahanga sa kakaibang sarap ng ating mga pagkain. Kaya sana tayo namang mga Pilipino mismo ay manguna sa pagkilala sa iba’t ibang putahe na gawa [at] lutong Pinoy. This National Food Fair is more than a gastronomic celebration of our rich and diverse culinary heritage. It is a testament to the incredible talent, ingenuity, industry of our local farmers and artisans—who bring pride and honor to our country,” President Marcos said in his speech, reflecting on the country’s Filipino Food month celebration.
The President, together with the First Lady and Secretary Roque, also launched the DTI Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace, a landmark digital e-commerce platform that allows Filipino sellers to offer their products through https://dtimarketplace.gov.ph/ and build their profiles through B2B.
President Marcos emphasized that the unveiling of the new platform is very important as it uses digital technology to expand markets and supply chains to make a more efficient delivery of goods and services.
“It is an initiative set to become a robust business-to-business e-commerce platform that will highlight the products and services that are Proudly Filipino. It marks a significant milestone in the digital transformation of our local industries. The platform will empower MSMEs by providing them a space where their products can be seen, recognized, and valued by a wider market,” the President said.
The President hoped that with the national government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s local industries, the Philippines is on its way to be a prime investment destination.
“Let this event also serve as an open invitation to more potential investors—both Filipinos and foreigners alike—to take part in the opportunities that the Philippine market offers,” he said.
Now in its 11th year, NFF 2025 features bountiful flavors and fresh produce from the regions, including vegetables and fruits sold at Kadiwa ng Pangulo, processed and frozen delights, native delicacies, condiments that elevate home cooking, beverage items, health and wellness products, as well as home displays and personal accessories.
It will run from April 9 to 13, 2025, at Megatrade Halls 1 to 3, Level 5, Mega B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the Department of Tourism – Philippines Facebook Page.
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