DTI-7 calls on tourism players to maximize use of local goods

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) is calling on the tourism players in Central Visayas to maximize the wealth of products supplied by the local manufacturers here, rather than sourcing raw material requirements from abroad or other region.

DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte made this announcement during the recently concluded Sandugo Trade Expo held at the Island City Mall in Tagbilaran City, in Bohol province.

Carrying the theme “Greening Products, Winning Markets,” the trade expo showcased innovative creations from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region and surrounding provinces from July 25 to July 29.

Products sold in this year’s trade expo included processed food, fashion accessories, gifts, toys and decors, as well as tourism products and services.

Major highlights of the trade event were the special settings which feature three different perspectives – Green Technologies for Tourism, the Raffia Country Branding Program of DOST and a Showcase of Crafts and Processed Food in Central Visayas.

Last July 26 and 27, side activities such as the Green Forum and MSME Caravan were conducted.

Caberte said that the focus of this year’s trade exhibition is on the tourism industry as a possible market for local producers and manufacturers.

Caberte explained that the DTI would like to influence the tourism industry players to make use of local products so as to help not only the environment but also fellow Filipinos with the jobs that are created.

Aside from tapping the tourism market, the DTI is also encouraging MSMEs to develop green products for the growing green economy.

Caberte said the DTI, in partnership with the German Technical Agency GIZ, has developed an MSME development strategy to strongly push for the creation of green products.

She emphasized that there is a market outside and inside the country for businesses going the green production lane citing Europe as one profitable market.

Caberte revealed that adopting green initiatives in production is already a requirement for some buyers. “The huge global demand for green products is brought about by the awareness of many consumers on the deleterious effects of climate change and pollution.”

The Philippine government is currently encouraging economic growth with an emphasis on environmental and social concerns. Green growth in the Philippines is considered important because risks to development are rising as growth continues to erode natural capital.

Adopting green growth is a worthwhile venture for the Philippines because this enhances opportunities for everyone most especially the poor to participate more fully in society and thus improving their quality of life. (FREEMAN)