DTI, SMEs gear up for Sinulog trade fair

CEBU, Philippines - It's the time of the year again when Cebu gets busier for the Sinulog festival.

And for local traders, it's also the time to make good sales.

The Department of Trade and Industry is now gearing up for the annual Sinulog trade fair at the SM City Cebu.

At least 80 micro, small and medium enterprises are participating in the trade fair, which will run from January 5 to 16.

There will be a total of 84 booths at the fair.

In an interview yesterday, Elias Tecson, business development chief at DTI-CEBU, said the fair may be extended after the Sinulog grand event depending on the demand.

The participants include entrepreneurs who are selling processed food, home decors, wearable, and are involved in health and wellness.

Tecson also said that this year's trade event is targeting to rake in P7.5 million in sales, higher from last year. 

In last year's trade fair, sales generated amounted to P7.27 million, up from the target of P7 million.

The trade event aims to attract both local and foreign visitors who are visiting during the Sinulog festival to buy the locally made products to be sold at the fair.

Tecson said the trade event is expanding in terms of sales and the number of participating MSMEs.

Sales are likely seen to drive up because participants have been strengthened in terms of marketing, skills upgrading, product quality training, etc.

Tecson added the trade fair is also an opportunity for these MSMEs to link with potential buyers, suppliers and producers.

STREET FAIR

Meanwhile, a Sinulog street trade fair is also annually put up along Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City.

The street fair, organized by the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI), aims to help local traders from Cebu and other provinces in the countryside o showcase their products and generate income for the foundation.

The participants include those who sell bags, key chains, home decors, personalized items and souvenir shirts.

Other vendors also have delicacies, accessories, wooden products and other native items to offer.

Over 65 have been put up at the street fair since late December. 

SFI annually organizes the street fair to raise funds for the Sinulog activities. — (FREEMAN)