Small and medium enterprises in Leyte and the greater Eastern Visayas region marked a successful holiday season as the recent pre-Christmas Trade Fair generated ₱6.2 million in sales, underscoring the rising market demand for locally made products and the continued importance of grassroots economic activities
Held over five days with support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–Eastern Visayas and local partners, the event provided a showcase for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) producing food products, handicrafts, fashion accessories, and specialty goods.
Organizers said that aside from on-site purchases, a significant portion of sales came from booked orders that could yield future revenue streams, indicating that the fair served not only as a commercial venue but also as a springboard for business expansion.
The fair’s timing which was oinciding with peak holiday spending, was cited by vendors and officials alike as a key factor in attracting robust consumer traffic.
Many shoppers were drawn by unique gift items and traditional delicacies reflecting Leyte’s cultural heritage, while exhibitors embraced the opportunity to engage directly with buyers and gather feedback to enhance their product offerings.
The sales tally contributed to a broader picture of strong MSME performance across Eastern Visayas in 2025.
According to DTI Eastern Visayas, MSMEs in the region collectively earned an estimated ₱59 million in various market fairs earlier this year, including regional showcases and holiday events, signaling sustained growth and market interest in local products.
These trade fairs are part of a strategic push by the DTI to strengthen local enterprises through market linkages, branding support, and capacity-building programs.
Officials noted that such platforms help MSMEs improve packaging, expand distribution networks, and foster partnerships with institutional buyers which are critical steps toward long-term economic resilience.
The success of the Leyte fair also mirrors broader national trends. National platforms like the Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair have recorded even higher sales, with the 2024 edition generating over ₱73 million and drawing nearly 28,000 visitors.
These events showcase Filipino craftsmanship from regions across the country while offering seminars and business development resources aimed at scaling MSME growth.
Local business groups, including chambers of commerce and industry associations, praised the role of these fairs in fueling entrepreneurship.
The trade fair theme “Layag,” a local term evoking a journey toward new opportunities, was embraced by participants as symbolic of both personal and collective aspirations to expand beyond current markets.
Beyond immediate sales, DTI and community stakeholders say the real benefit lies in enhanced brand visibility and sustained business relationships that position MSMEs for future success, including participation in larger national and potentially international markets.
With ongoing support and rising consumer interest, Leyte’s small enterprises appear poised to continue contributing to regional growth and job creation well beyond the holiday season.
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