The spirit of Iloilo’s craftmanship and entrepreneurship took center stage during the Artesanias de Iloilo 2025 Buying Mission held from September 15-16, 2025, at Robinsons Place Iloilo. The event gathered local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), institutional buyers, and partners in one vibrant marketplace that celebrated creativity, business opportunities, and regional pride.

Organized as part of the week-long Artesanias de Iloilo Fair (September 15-21), the Buying Mission provided an avenue for MSMEs to showcase their products, engage in meaningful business negotiations, and strengthen their confidence in presenting to both buyers and the public.

Building Entrepreneurial Confidence

In her opening remarks, DTI Acting Regional Director Dinda Tamayo emphasized the fair’s vital role in empowering local entrepreneurs. “Events like this allow our MSMEs to practice negotiation, improve their delivery, and take pride in their products,” she noted.

The fair underscored the DTI’s continued efforts to nurture MSMEs – the backbone of the Philippine economy- through programs that foster innovation, market access, and sustainability.

Showcasing Iloilo’s Best

The Buying Mission featured a wide range of locally made goods—from flavorful delicacies to artisanal crafts. Among the standout participants were Lorenzo Farms, known for their unique Cacao Vinegar and Balai Tablea. Both products have grown from humble beginnings, gaining regional recognition through consistent participation in DTI trade fairs.

Buyers’ Insights and Opportunities

Institutional buyers, including representatives from Gerry’s Grill, The Belamy House, and Guido Ylaya Corp., praised the quality and creativity of Iloilo’s MSME products while offering valuable insights for continuous improvement.

• Gerry’s Grill expressed interest in sourcing fresh seafood, mountain coffee, and other local ingredients.
• The Belamy House showed enthusiasm for Iloilo’s coffee and tea products, purchasing Kapeng Iloilo for further evaluation.
• Guido Ylaya Corp. (Atin Ito Souvenir Shop) highlighted the appeal of health and wellness products such as Roasted Sea Salt with Lemongrass and Turmeric Cinnamon Tea, suggesting packaging refinements and reduced sugar content to align with consumer wellness trends.

Buyers also underscored the importance of sustainability, product consistency, and regulatory compliance to meet both market and export standards.

Overcoming Challenges Through Capacity Building

While many MSMEs already hold an FDA License to Operate (LTO), several still face challenges in securing the Certificate of Product Registration (CPR)—a key requirement for broader market access. DTI Iloilo reaffirmed its support by proposing targeted training on packaging, labeling, branding, and regulatory compliance, helping MSMEs meet both buyer expectations and food safety standards.

DTI’s Continued Support for MSME Growth

The Buying Mission generated an impressive ₱5.4 million in total sales and booked orders, reflecting the strong market potential of Iloilo’s MSMEs.

Moving forward, DTI Iloilo and the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and OTOP (BMDPO) are committed to:

• Expanding market matching opportunities with local and national buyers;
• Supporting product improvement and certification;
• Promoting high-performing MSMEs in larger trade platforms like the Panublion Trade Fair; and
• Enhancing visibility through social media and media partnerships to attract more institutional buyers.

Strengthening Iloilo’s MSME Ecosystem

The success of the Artesanias de Iloilo 2025 Buying Mission reaffirmed the resilience and creativity of Iloilo’s entrepreneurs. With continued support from DTI and partner stakeholders, MSMEs are poised to expand their market reach, elevate product quality, and drive sustainable growth in Western Visayas and beyond. As a result of this activity, a total of Php 5,405,116.79 was generated in cash and booked orders, detailed as follows:

• Php 1,182,505.00 Cash
• Php 4,222,611.79 Booked Orders