A glorious afternoon event, titled the Philippine Cuisine and Ingredients Show, ushered in this year’s Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) National Food Fair on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Held at SM Megamall's Megatrade Hall, the fair will run until Sunday, April 13. People should not hesitate to drop by, as it’s a great way to experience and support our local MSMEs. From the top of Luzon to the southernmost tip of Mindanao, food entrepreneurs have gathered for this annual event hosted by the DTI.
To show his commitment to MSMEs in the growing food sector and his vision for national development, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their son Vincent, attended the launch. DTI Secretary Christina A. Roque was present to welcome the First Family. Also in attendance were major DTI supporters, Department of Tourism Secretary Christina G. Frasco and Special Assistant to the President for Investments and Economic Affairs Frederick Go.
Over 200 exhibitors are showcasing their products within the SM Megatrade Hall, a testament to Tessie Sy-Coson’s unwavering commitment to supporting MSMEs. A new DTI Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace e-commerce platform was also launched during the event. While in the past, one could access a DTI directory of accredited food entrepreneurs, this new platform aims to make it easier to connect with these businesses digitally—whether as a wholesaler, restaurant, or retailer. This is a significant step forward in improving accessibility and enhancing the DTI website experience. Congratulations to the DTI and Secretary Roque for another successful National Food Fair. I attended last year’s event and can already see how much this year’s iteration has grown.