Sandugo Trade Expo targets P40 million in sales

CEBU, Philippines — This year’s Sandugo Trade Expo targets to rake in at least P40 million in sales owing to the rising interest for locally-made products.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7), the five-day fair, which is set on July 24 to 28, 2019 at the Island City Mall, Tagbilaran City, Bohol will be participated in by over 200 exhibitors from Visayas, Mindanao and Luzon.

In a press conference held yesterday, DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte expressed confidence that sales will rise at least P7 million more this year from the P33 million it generated last year.

Now on its 14th year, carrying the theme “Beyond Expectations @32,” the Sandugo Fair also expects to draw in balikbayan shoppers, exporters, tourism stakeholders especially resort, hotel owners to source for raw materials and suppliers.

In 2017, the trade fair generated a total sales of P20 million, it grew to P33 million last year. This year, DTI-7 expects to reach at least P40 million sales.

According to Caberte the products that will be showcased went through intense product development processes under the OTOP (One-town-One-Product) Next Gen program.

The strong tourist arrivals in Bohol, boosted by the opening its new International Airport in Panglao Island, has become a much fertile ground to showcase locally-made and developed products.

Products from processed food, home and lifestyle wares, furnishings, fashion accessories, will lead the inventory of products to be made available during the exposition.

Emerging products like Cacao, Coffee, rubber, coco coir, processed fruits and nuts, among others will be highlighted during the show.

A special setting has been prepared for Chocolate or “tablea” makers in Bohol and another special setting to be mounted for wearables and homestyle manufacturers in the region.

Also, worth noting is the participation of MSMEs that were part of the Kapatid Mentor Micro Entrepreneurs (KMME) Program of the DTI which aims to advance micro, small, and medium enterprises and improve their ability to become more competitive in their respective fields.