In celebration of the National MSME Week, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Bulacan Provincial Office in partnership with the Robinsons Land Corporation and Likhang Bulacan Entrepreneurs Association Inc. held the Level Up Creatives Fair at the Robinsons Mall, Malolos City from July 10-14, 2024. The fair aims to promote local products and various DTI projects focused on business improvement and sustainability.
37 exhibitors occupying 29 booths showcased their products including pastries, local delicacies, accessories, handicrafts and furniture. The event also showcased the Label-Up Program beneficiaries of DTI-Bulacan Negosyo Centers whose products have undergone product development from the previous years.
Attending the opening ceremonies were DTI-3 OIC Regional Director Brigida T. Pili, Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office Division Chief Jacqueline Magapayo, Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office Trade Fair Coordinator Camille Madrazo, Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Corina Bautista, Robinsons Land Corporation Operations Manager Gay Gadi, Likhang Bulacan Entrepreneurs Association Inc. President Myta Garcia and Vice President Myron Padios, along with officers and members.
In her message, OIC RD Pili expressed her heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to the participating MSMEs. She quoted “My presence today shows my support for our MSMEs, but first I would like to congratulate the organizer for mounting this trade fair event. This Level Up event is a step to expose the newly dressed and newly packaged products. Huwag kayong mahiyang idulog sa aming tanggapan ang kailangan ninyong MSMEs to improve your products at napakadaming services ang pwedeng makuha sa gobyerno. Muli maraming salamat and congratulations.”
Aside from the trade fair, DTI Bulacan organized various programs and activities through the efforts of DTI associates and Negosyo Center Bulacan Business Counsellors to increase foot traffic. The following events were conducted:
July 11, 2024: The Moving Forward Ceremony of the Gabay sa Barangay Project was conducted with a total of 78 completers. The Gabay sa Barangay Enterprise Development Program focuses on developing the entrepreneurial skills of barangay officials and members of their Barangay Development Councils. This initiative aims to foster the creation of new MSMEs and ensure ongoing support for those already established. In the afternoon, the Level Up Performances took place, showcasing Bulacan performers who danced, sang, and played instruments. These performances were arranged for the Bulacan MSMEs and mall shoppers.
July 12, 2024: A Development Partner Appreciation Day was held to recognize and celebrate the valuable contributions, efforts, and support of partners and clients in reaching shared goals and milestones. In the afternoon, a creative pot design workshop was conducted to encourage the younger generation to enhance their creativity through painting. A total of sixteen aspiring artists participated in the workshop.
July 13, 2024: A skills training on Borlas de Pastillas was conducted in the afternoon. This activity aims to revive the art of “Pabalat,” a famous craft unique to Bulakenyos. A total of 15 participants attended the skills training, where various patterns were presented and explained.
July 14, 2024: The closing ceremony was led by DTI Bulacan OIC-Provincial Director Maria Cristina V. Valenzuela, who awarded certificates of participation to the exhibitors. Awards were given also for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Most Levelled-Up Booth with Sweetbites Cakes and Pastries, Kringles Handicrafts, and Remiks F.D. Food Trading & Lito Rey Boneless Tinapa receiving the honors, respectively.
The exhibitors were grateful for the opportunity to showcase their products at the event. One of the exhibitors, Ms. Jennifer Bauto of Jassl’s Pastries, expressed her gratitude and said, “ Sobrang laking tulong ng trade fair na ito lalo na samin na nagsisimula palang ipakilala ang aming mga produkto, Sana patuloy pa kami suportahan ng mga sangay ng gobyerno tulad ng DTI na aming makakasama sa paglago ng aming Negosyo”.
