CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro -- Following the success of the 2022 edition of the 'Session in Bloom' trade fair in the City of Pines-Baguio City, participating entrepreneurs from the provinces of Oriental Mindoro and Marinduque generated around a million in sales from the fair.

In this year’s edition of the trade exhibit, locals and tourists were treated with food and non-food goods from the two provinces which included native delicacies, home decor, novelty items, processed food, and many more. 

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–Mimaropa assisted 16 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from Oriental Mindoro, and 17 MSMEs from Marinduque to bring their products outside the islands of Mimaropa and into bigger markets. Prior to joining the activity, the entrepreneurs underwent several market access and product development training and assistance from DTI’s One Town, One Product (OTOP) Next Gen Program and Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. 

Stretched along the main thoroughfare and commercial center of Baguio City, buyers had an array of Mimaropa favorites like healthy snacks, local delicacies such as suman sa lihiya and arrowroot cookies, upcycled home decorations, and locally sourced handicrafts, among others. 

The “Session in Bloom” trade fair is organized by the local government unit of Baguio City and serves as one of the highlights of the annual Panagbenga Festival. 

DTI MIMAROPA, through its provincial offices and Negosyo Centers, has lined up various local and international trade fairs for its assisted MSMEs to join in 2023. (DTI MIMAROPA)