Bayanihang Metro Caravan opens during Mantawi Fest

CEBU, Philippines — The Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI) brings the Bayanihang Metro Caravan in Cebu giving local micro-businesses the opportunity to capture the mainstream consumer base in the province.

MRSGI, led by its president and chief executive officer (CEO) Manuel Alberto opened the Bayanihang Metro Caravan in Metro Gaisano, Pacific Mall in Mandaue City over the weekend (May 20, 2023) coinciding with the city’s Mantawi Festival.

The Metro Mandaue one-month Bayanihang Metro Caravan is participated by DTI-endorsed micro-entrepreneurs, such as Yssa’s Handicrafts, Lemoncito, Wodd PH, Tuburan Coffee, Lamac MPC, Bakerland Bakery, Hinam-is Sweet Sitsirya, Rachael’s Homemade and Metro’s house brands Gasa and Tropical.

In an interview with Alberto, he said that the ongoing partnership with DTI has helped shift consumers’ focus toward sustainable means of shopping and has raised awareness of the importance of supporting local products and entrepreneurs.

“MRSGI has always believed that both buyers and sellers can help positively impact environmental and social concerns. It has consistently strived to present opportunities for viable and worthwhile businesses, especially where domestic products are concerned. We are committed to empowering local entrepreneurs, especially in communities where we do business,” Alberto said.

Participating local businesses will have a greater chance to build their brands locally and internationally, as MRSGI’S ultimate goal is make their products permanently available in all Metro stores around the country.

With this year-long campaign, Alberto hopes to amplify the company’s commitment to supporting local brands with an emphasis on helping startup businesses level up and participate in the broader retail value chain.

“We want to give them (MSMEs) the opportunity to test and showcase their products to customers and if it proves to be successful, it’s our chance to be able to sell more to our customers to give them more choices,” Alberto said.

However, he continued that MRSGI is very strict with requirements, one of the challenges why some potential local brands cannot enter the retail value chain is because of their inability to meet standards, such as FDA certification, among others.

Through the Bayanihang Metro Caravan joint project with DTI, Metro aims to further advance its efforts of pushing local products from SMEs to the mainstream public. Metro will be equipping entrepreneurs with space and kiosks in select Metro stores in various areas across Luzon and Visayas to showcase and promote high-quality home-grown products for a duration of one month during town fiestas.

“This tie-up with DTI is an ideal vehicle for micro-entrepreneurs to enter the larger market of consumers across the country. Not only will domestic products be given the boost needed and deserved, but the partnership also expands the array of products MRSGI offers,” Alberto added.

MRSGI will also roll out the Bayanihang Metro Caravan in various Metro Retail Store locations during significant local festivals in succeeding months such as Pasayahan sa Lucena, Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival, Pasig City Day, Ibalong Festival, Karansa Festival, Peñafrancia Fiesta, MassKara Festival, Binaybayon Festival, and Sinulog Festival.

Last April 2023, Bayanihang Metro Caravan was held in Super Metro Lapu-Lapu store in conjunction with the festivities of Kadaugan sa Mactan. — (FREEMAN)