BUYING MISSION IN AKLAN

                    2025 Aklan Buying Mission Highlights Local Talent and Trade

Kalibo, Aklan – April 29, 2025 – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan, in partnership with the Bureau of Market Development and Promotion Office (BMDPO), successfully hosted the 2025 Buying Mission in Aklan, a strategic initiative aimed at linking Manila-based buyers with local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Buyers from well-known brands including Tesoros Philippine Handicrafts, LIKHA, Kingsmen Custom Tailors, and Gourmet Corner Philippines, along with fashion icon Lulu Tan-Gan, visited MSME hubs and the 2025 Hinuguran It Akeanon Fair. The mission highlighted Aklan’s diverse offerings—from raffia keychains and piña textiles to abaca housewares, many of which gained immediate interest and prototype requests.

The mission also featured the Aklan Capiz Cultural Exchange Show, a celebration of regional heritage through music, dance, and artisanal crafts.

The key findings were promising developments in product innovation and quality, such as Bandiola’s handwoven piña textiles and the unique abaca products of San Ramon Abaca Handicrafts Association. Buyers expressed strong interest in raffia keychains, piña fabric, and customized abaca goods, with prototype requests indicating early-stage business engagements.

However, challenges including product size standardization, quality control, and limited production capacity were also identified. The DTI BMDPO recommended capacity-building measures, student engagement during vacation periods, and ethical sourcing improvements, particularly in dye standards.

As of April 25, 2025, the mission recorded initial cash sales totaling Php 299,000, with additional orders pending final negotiation until the event concludes on May 5.

The success of the 2025 Buying Mission reflects a growing recognition of Aklan as a hub for ethical, sustainable, and high-quality handcrafted goods, paving the way for deeper economic and cultural ties within the Philippine creative and manufacturing sectors.