The recently concluded 25th Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City earned a total of P64.86 million in sales.

This is 13 percent more than last year’s sales of P57.049 million.

The annual trade fair was participated in by 165 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region that exhibited products such as processed food, furniture and home furnishings, wearables, gifts and holiday decors, and other organic and cosmetic products.

Majority of the sales came from booked orders amounting to P43.95 million while cash sales were at P8.87 million while another P12.02 million are from sales under negotiation.

Based on reports from SME Development Division of the DTI Regional Office 3, Bataan generated the highest sales among the seven provinces with about P24.61M, followed by Pampanga P10.57M; Tarlac ?P10.49M; Nueva Ecija P7.1M; Bulacan P6.6M; Aurora P2.7M and Zambales P2.5M.

“The remarkable sales achieved during this Likha underscore the economic impact and potential of our micro, small, and medium enterprises.,” DTI-3 OIC Regional Director Brigida Pili said.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dynamic entrepreneurs, dedicated partners, and our supportive community for contributing to the triumphant success of the 25th Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair,” Pili added.

The trade fair was organized by the DTI-Regional and Provincial Offices in Central Luzon in partnership with Philexport-3, Regional Development Council-3, SM Supermalls, SOMAGO, and Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc. (CLGCFI), which is composed of the seven governors of the region with DTI as member.

Capability building seminars were conducted before the fair to develop the technical capabilities of the micro and small and medium enterprises especially in terms of negotiating with buyers and how to effectively dress their booths. Product development activities were also done to come up with new designs and products that were showcased during the five-day fair.

Photo: DTI Central Luzon