DOST and Pharma GalenX Launch Cutting-edge Bioprinting Laboratory

Pharma GalenX Innovations, Inc. is set to unveil its groundbreaking bioprinting laboratory marking  a significant milestone in the advancement of science and technology in health services on July  13, 2023, at Jaro, Iloilo City.

The bioprinting laboratory is the product of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST)  grant under the Business Innovation through S&T for Industry (BIST) Program, a sub-component  of the Science for Change Program for Pharma GalenX’s research study entitled, “Three Dimensional Bioprinted Human Skin Equivalent for In Vitro Biocompatibility Studies of Topical  Formulations.”

Equipped with the latest advancements in 3D bioprinting technology such as a 3D bioprinter, ultra low temperature freezer, microplate reader, CO2 incubators, inverted microscope, compound  microscope with fluorescence observation, and more. The bioprinting laboratory, a first in the  region, will enable the development of a human skin equivalent using 3D bioprinting technology  for studies involving topical formulations. 

The bioprinting laboratory will also open new opportunities for local talents and enhance the  research capacity and competitiveness of Iloilo City in the fields of biotechnology and tissue  engineering.

Moreover, the project will also pave the way for the establishment of an in vitro biocompatibility  testing facility, the first of its kind in Region VI, providing academic and research institutions with  accessible services that will enable to reduce costs associated with third-party laboratory analysis  and expedite product development timelines.

"The establishment of Pharma GalenX's bioprinting laboratory is a testament to the successful  synergy between industry and government in advancing cutting-edge research in the Philippines,"  stated DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. "Through our Science for Change Program, we are  proud to support Pharma GalenX's research study, which has culminated in the establishment of  this cutting-edge bioprinting laboratory. We believe this facility will pave the way for  groundbreaking advancements in regenerative medicine." Sec. Solidum added.

The Pharma GalenX Innovations, Inc. will also launch its highly anticipated product on the same  date at Diversion 21 Hotel in Iloilo City, providing an opportunity for attendees to witness the  culmination of the company's innovative research and development efforts.

The event and ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature lectures from DOST officials and an exclusive  tour of the bioprinting laboratory. Experts in the field, industry professionals, government  representatives, and members of the media will attend the event to witness firsthand the potential  impact of this technology on healthcare.

According to DOST Undersecretary for R&D Leah J. Buendia, “The BIST program strengthens  the R&D capabilities of our local companies and spurs innovation, invention, and progress. R&D  outputs drive profits and may be used as a tool in creating socially responsible initiatives, like in  this case, creating ways to prevent animal testing.”

Serving as the monitoring agency of Pharma GalenX’s DOST grant, the Philippine Council for  Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), expressed its excitement about the  upcoming launch. "The establishment of Pharma GalenX's bioprinting laboratory is a significant  milestone in the field of regenerative medicine in the Philippines. We are honored to be part of  this endeavor, and we look forward to the transformative impact it will have on healthcare," said  DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya.

The Pharma GalenX Innovations, Inc. is a pioneering biotechnology company committed to  transforming healthcare through innovation. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies such as  bioprinting, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, the company focuses on developing  advanced therapeutics and personalized medicine solutions. 

Manila FAME .Philippine Lifestyle Event Returns Onsite this October

Manila FAME, the second-longest running trade show in Asia for home, furnishings and lifestyle,  is returning to the trade show floor for its 71st edition at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City on October 19-21, 2023. The highly anticipated international sourcing event supports and showcases Philippine Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), seasoned and emerging designers, and local artisan communities in the Philippines. 

After two years of organizing Market Days, Manila FAME's digital counterpart, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is slated to mount a multisensory experience for exhibitors, buyers, and visitors from all over the world.

This year’s Design Commune, a highly-curated scenography of new products under CITEM’s product development program, is set to launch collections from FAME companies created in collaboration with design specialists Rita Nazareno, Gabriel Lichauco, and Tony Gonzales, together with the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP). It is an integral and highly anticipated show feature which fosters innovation among local artisans and manufacturers to scale their product offerings and cater to the demands of the global market.

Pushing the limits

For its returning edition since the pandemic, Manila FAME 2023 will carry the theme “Feel what’s possible.” CITEM Executive Director Edward Fereira underscores the importance of catering to the needs of the people who flock to the agency’s signature show for the home, fashion, and lifestyle sectors. “Manila FAME attracts a diverse set of audiences—new and returning international buyers, established and upcoming design brands, design aficionados and students, industry experts, and even local fans of the show. We want to give them a show that reflects new ideas, fresh takes, and unique executions—in short, possibilities—rooted in Filipino heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation. And since we’re going back onsite, they will surely ‘feel’ all these on the ground, face-to-face after three years.” 

The trade show we know plus more

CITEM is also taking this year’s edition of Manila FAME to the next level by integrating a solid “online-offline-online” experience, giving participants a seamless customer journey between the physical show and its digital platform. Through fameplus.com, the digital sourcing platform of FAME, local and international trade buyers can discover upcoming and established brands,  read feature stories, and connect with local artisans and manufacturers all year round.

Manila FAME 2023, according to Dr. Fereira, will also have “new exhibitions, show components, and special events that underscore the various parts of the multifaceted and ever-evolving Filipino craftsmanship.”

For this year, Manila FAME is set to showcase more than 250 exhibitors offering a wide range of  products including furniture, home décor, lamps and lighting, fashion, festive and seasonal decor, gifts, and beauty & wellness from various artisanal communities in the Philippines.

Organized by CITEM, the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) export promotions arm, Manila FAME prides itself as a cohesive program for local MSMEs that offers various capacity-building efforts, collaborations with international design figures, and networking activities with buyers from around the world.

The 2023 edition is organized in partnership with RLC Residences and the Philippine Airlines as the official carrier of Manila FAME.

To register as a Manila FAME trade buyer, visit https://fameplus.com/registration/buyer-registration.

About CITEM

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

For 40 years, CITEM has established the country’s image as a premier destination for quality export products and services. It continues to set the highest standards of creativity, excellence and innovation to achieve competitiveness in the home, fashion, lifestyle, food, creative, and sustainability sectors.

CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brands, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an integrated approach to export marketing in partnership with other government and private entities.

About FAME

FAME is a community of brands, designers, and manufacturers that showcase quality artisanal products in signature trade show Manila FAME, on digital platform FAME+, and in trade fairs and B2B initiatives around the world. The FAME community likewise includes global buyers and other stakeholders.

About FAME+

FAME+ is the ultimate digital sourcing and storytelling platform for Philippine quality home, fashion, and lifestyle products. It enables Philippine brands and manufacturers to generate leads and reach global buyers through content creation, learning opportunities, and B2B capabilities. It intends to ensure and improve the discoverability of exhibitors online, creating a community of exhibitors, buyers, and stakeholders in one digital space.

Ref. Elmer Harold Grande

Email: ehgrande@citem.com.ph

Twitter: @CITEMPh

Facebook: @DTI.CITEM

El Nino is present in the Tropical Pacific

Recent PAGASA’s climate monitoring and analyses indicate that the unusual warming of sea surface temperatures along the equatorial Pacific that was established in March 2023 has further developed into a weak El Niño, which show signs of strengthening in the coming months.

With this development, the El Niño Alert issued last May 2023 is now upgraded to El Niño Advisory. El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring negative impacts (such as dry spells and droughts) in some areas of the country which may adversely impact the different climate-sensitive sectors such as water resources, agriculture, energy, health and public safety. However, enhanced Southwest monsoon season (Habagat) may still be expected which may result in above-normal rainfall conditions over the western part of the country.

Climate outlook further suggests that the aggregate impacts of El Niño is expected towards the last quarter of the year and first half of 2024 bringing dry spells in most areas of the country. With this development, all concerned agencies and the general public are advised to take precautionary measures to mitigate the potential adverse impacts of El Niño.

PAGASA will continue to closely monitor these conditions and regular updates/advisories shall be issued as appropriate For more information, you may reach us by phone at (02) 8284-0800 local 4920/4921 (Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section) or through email at pagasa.climps@gmail.com

information@pagasa.dost.gov.ph.

PDRF, USAID Launch New Project on Business Continuity in Laguna

June 30, 2023, STA. ROSA, LAGUNA—The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and in partnership with the Provincial Government of Laguna, recently launched the Area-Wide Business Continuity Management (AWBCM) for Key Industries and Lifeline Utilities Project that aims to make the business community resilient by developing a harmonized framework for the continuity of operations of different stakeholders.

The province of Laguna in Region IV-A has been selected as the target pilot site for this project because of its several economic zones, ranging from industrial zones to technological parks. With its proximity to Taal Volcano and several active fault lines, these economic zones have high exposure to hazards that may affect the supply chain and employees.

The PDRF network is also present in the province with several Ayala properties and lifeline utilities such as Meralco, First Gen, Smart Communications, and Globe Telecom.

Traditionally, businesses and organizations focus on their individual BCM efforts. While this approach is essential, it often falls short when disasters strike on a larger scale, affecting an entire area or community. This is where AWBCM becomes a game-changer because it will focus on the Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and Practice sector with the components of Capacity Building and Training and Policy and Practice.

Moreover, AWBCM will enable better risk assessment and mitigation strategies because it considers the interdependencies and interconnectedness among various businesses and sectors within an area. It will also promote effective planning among different organizations in Laguna, enhancing the ability of businesses to recover quickly after a disaster. Lastly, it will foster a culture of preparedness, equipping businesses and communities with tools and knowledge to move forward from disruptions.

"We must adopt a proactive and collective strategy to strengthen our resilience and minimize the impact of these inevitable disruptive events. That's why the Area-wide Business Continuity Management Program is so important. It aims to upgrade the preparedness of the key public and private industries and lifeline utilities, including economic zones, through the synergy of capacities," said PDRF President Butch Meily.

During the event, project partners and stakeholders expressed their support and commitment to the project.

"The establishment of a strategic and sustainable partnership between the public and private sectors through the creation of an area-wide business continuity management system is an exciting and essential step forward in ensuring a more harmonized and holistic approach to disaster management," said USAID Philippines, Pacific Islands, and Mongolia Acting Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks. 

In a Keynote message, Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez, through his representative Provincial Administrator Atty. Dulce Rebanal, said that the Provincial Government of Laguna will continue to 'find a way forward and cooperate in order to build a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.' "May this project launch be a start of a strong partnership between PDRF, USAID, the local government units, and the private sector," she added.

PDRF calls on its partners and stakeholders, especially those in Laguna, to support the project and address its current challenges, including resource limitations, varying levels of preparedness among organizations, and more effective coordination and collaboration mechanisms. 

DTI Participates in AANZFTA CAP Phase II E-Commerce Workshop

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) represented the Philippines in the three (3) - day ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) Consumer Affairs Program (CAP) Phase II E-Commerce Workshop from 21 – 23 June 2023 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The DTI, through the leadership of Secretary Fred Pascual, continues to prioritize and advance initiatives to create a conducive e-commerce environment in the country while safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers.

The 3-day workshop was organized by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which centered around the crucial aspects of investigating, enforcing, and implementing consumer laws in the rapidly evolving realm of e-commerce. The workshop brought together representatives from the ASEAN Member States and esteemed resource speakers from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and ACCC to foster a deeper understanding of the status of consumer protection in the digital landscape. 

DTI Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo stressed during her opening remarks that "E-Commerce remains a high priority issue for ASEAN and that everyone needs to constantly learn and adopt, by absorbing any new information of current and best practices within and outside of the region.

During the first day of the workshop, the DTI presented the country's consumer protection efforts in e-commerce. According to Atty. Marcus N. Valdez II, Director of the Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau, “The CPG is committed to protecting the rights and interests of consumers by providing consumer education and information dissemination programs, overseeing the effective implementation and enforcement of fair-trade laws, and providing a mechanism for the speedy resolution of consumer complaints.”

The Department presented policies on e-commerce, including the Proposed Revision of the Republic Act No. 7394, known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines, and Internet Transactions Act. In response to the continuous technological advancement, the DTI also shared its technology-based projects for consumers. One of them is e-Presyo, an online price monitoring system where consumers can check the prevailing prices of basic necessities and prime commodities and the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Verification Mobile Application which allows the public to verify the authenticity of the ICC quality seal attached to imported products.

Additionally, the DTI reported about the DTI-Integrated Registration Information System (IREGIS), an online portal that facilitates the processing of our frontline services, including the application of sales promotions, import applications, and applications for service and repair enterprises as well as sea freight forwarders. 

The DTI also introduced its latest advocacy initiative, DTI Legit Check Facebook page, distinguishing reputable online stores from suspicious ones to further protect consumers in the digital economy. Online stores that lack the necessary/appropriate business registration/license or appear suspicious will be posted on the page.

Everyone is encouraged to follow the DTI’s Consumer Care official social media accounts for more information. For consumer-related concerns and queries, send an email to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph or call the One-DTI (1-384) Hotline. 

 

Joint Statement on the 5th India-Philippines Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation

The Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines (SFA), H.E. Mr. Enrique A. Manalo, is on an official visit to India from 27 to 30 June 2023. External Affairs Minister of India (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar, and SFA co-chaired the 5th meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) on 29 June 2023 at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. SFA also called on the Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar during his visit.

2. Both Ministers noted the expanding scope of India-Philippines ties and agreed to work together to further strengthen the bilateral partnership. They noted the complementarities the two countries share as vibrant, youthful democracies and fast-growing economies in the Indo-Pacific region. In this context, they recalled the guidance from their leaders, President of the Philippines, H.E. Mr. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, as expressed during their telephone conversation on 5 August 2022 to forge a wide-ranging partnership spanning developmental sectors such as health, agriculture and the digital economy as well as cooperation in defense and security.

3. Both Ministers committed to develop mutually supportive approaches to regional and international developments.

Political Dialogue

4. Both Ministers expressed satisfaction with the series of high-level engagements between the two countries, including the 4th meeting of the JCBC in virtual mode in November 2020; EAM’s visit to the Philippines in February 2022; visit of the then SFA, H.E. Mr. Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., to India in April 2022; and the bilateral interaction in November 2022 between SFA and EAM on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Cambodia. They also noted the outcomes of their regular dialogue mechanisms such as the Foreign Office Consultations and Strategic Dialogue last held in Manila in August 2022, among others.

5. EAM and SFA agreed to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2024 in a fitting manner.

Defense cooperation

6. On Defense Cooperation, both Ministers expressed keen interest to continue to work together in this sector, including through the regular or upgraded official level interaction among defense agencies, opening of the resident Defense Attaché office in Manila, consideration of India’s offer for concessional Line of Credit to meet Philippines’ defense requirements, acquisition of naval assets, and expansion of training and joint exercises on maritime security and disaster response, among others.

Maritime Cooperation

7. Acknowledging the growing importance of the maritime sector for both countries, both Ministers welcomed the bilateral Maritime Dialogue and the increased cooperation on hydrography.

8. Both Ministers emphasized the utility of maritime domain awareness, and in this context called for early operationalization of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the White Shipping Agreement between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG). They looked forward to the signing of the MoU on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Philippines Coast Guard (PCG).

Law Enforcement cooperation

9. EAM and SFA encouraged early negotiations for a bilateral Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty on Criminal Matters and a Treaty on Transfer of Sentenced Persons. It was agreed that the first round of talks would be held in the Philippines in August 2023.

10. Recognizing Terrorism and Transnational Crimes as common security threats, they directed that the 2nd Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter-Terrorism meet in the Philippines in 2023 and discuss forging a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Preventing and Combating Terrorism and Transnational Crime.

Trade and Investment

11. SFA and EAM expressed satisfaction at the growing pace of bilateral trade, which had for the first time crossed the level of USD 3 billion in 2022-23[1], and agreed to commence negotiations on a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement.

12. EAM highlighted the growing engagement between businesses on both sides, including through nearly thirty business-to-business meetings held over the past three years in different sectors. EAM and SFA agreed to encourage their companies to sustain their engagement, and explore new investment opportunities.

Development Cooperation

13. SFA and EAM positively noted the ratification of the Agreement on Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of Quick Impact Projects (QIP) in the Philippines signed in February 2023, which has added a new facet to bilateral relations. EAM underlined India’s commitment to share its digital innovations for the benefit of local communities in the Philippines across sectors such as disaster resilience, health, water, environment protection, education and others.

14. SFA expressed appreciation for India’s offer to extend concessional Lines of Credit for infrastructure projects, as well as for any other mutually identified projects.

Health and Pharmaceuticals

15. Both sides noted the health sector as one of the priority sectors for bilateral engagement. They agreed on an early meeting of the bilateral JWG on Health to devise concrete initiatives to expand cooperation.

16. EAM and SFA welcomed the signing of a bilateral MoU for Cooperation in Ayurveda in April 2022. They expressed satisfaction at the substantive outcomes of the visit by a high-level Indian AYUSH Ministry delegation to the Philippines and called for early steps to implement the MOU.

Tourism and Civil Aviation

17. SFA and EAM emphasized the need for expanded connectivity and ease of travel to enable the growth of tourism, trade & investment and people to people exchange between the two countries. EAM and SFA acknowledged the implementation of initiatives by both sides to facilitate travel.

18. SFA and EAM expressed satisfaction at the ratification of the Air Services Agreement signed in September 2021. They noted that this would enable the airlines of both countries to explore direct flight connectivity.

19. They also welcomed their respective departments of tourism to come up with initiatives to further expand tourism flows, along with early scheduling of JWG on Tourism. EAM welcomed the announcement of the Philippines Government to introduce e-visa for Indian nationals and noted that India had already extended e-visa facility to the Philippines.

Agriculture

20. Recalling that food security is an area of primary importance to both countries, EAM conveyed support for sharing of India’s knowledge, best practices and experience across the agricultural value chain with the relevant stakeholders in the Philippines.

21. SFA conveyed Philippine interest in expanding collaboration on fisheries and marine culture and called for the convening of the Joint Working Group on Agriculture to discuss additional areas of agricultural cooperation.

Financial Technology

22. Recognizing the significant opportunities provided by digital innovations in Fintech sector, SFA and EAM welcomed the signing of a bilateral MoU in June 2023 for the constitution of a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fintech, which would provide the institutional framework for cooperation on digitalization of payments, direct benefit transfer using National ID and financial inclusion.

Science and Technology (S&T) Cooperation

23. Both Ministers expressed satisfaction at the commencement of institutional exchanges between their respective Departments of Science and Technology, with the convening of the first Joint S&T Committee meeting in July 2021. SFA highlighted that India is one of the Philippines’ priority foreign partners in science and technology. They noted that a new Programme of Cooperation (POC) on S&T for 2023-2026 has been finalized and recommended continued engagement in this area.

Space Cooperation

24. EAM and SFA welcomed the initiation of bilateral engagement on space through training and exchanges, inter alia, leading to the first round of bilateral dialogue, held virtually, between the Philippine Space Agency and the Indian Space Research Organization/Department of Space earlier this month. They encouraged continued deliberations on the proposed MOU on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

Cooperation on Consular Matters

25. SFA and EAM agreed to convene the 4th Philippines-India Joint Consular Consultations Meeting (JCCM) in Manila in the last quarter of 2023.

Cultural Exchanges

26. Recognizing the need to expand cultural exchanges which had been affected by the pandemic, EAM and SFA recommended that a new Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) be agreed before the end of 2023.

Education Cooperation

27. SFA and EAM noted the strong people-to-people linkages formed through academic exchanges and agreed to continue discussion on further strengthening cooperation in this field.

Regional and Multilateral Issues

28. EAM and SFA held wide-ranging and substantive discussions on regional and international issues of mutual concern. They underlined that both countries have a shared interest in a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. They underlined the need for peaceful settlement of disputes and for adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea in this regard.

29. They recognized the need for developing countries to coordinate their responses to key issues. In this context, EAM welcomed SFA’s participation at the Voice of the Global South Summit organized by India in January 2023.

30. They expressed satisfaction at ongoing cooperation between the two countries in ASEAN and at multilateral forums and agreed to continue to work together in the United Nations and other multilateral organizations, especially on issues such as climate change, sustainable development and counter-terrorism. The two countries would also support each other’s candidatures to various multilateral organizations to enable both countries to play a more active role in these organizations.

31. Given the urgent need for UN Security Council reforms, both sides agreed to the expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership, and reforms of the working methods of the UN Security Council, and agreed to work together at the UN to attain concrete outcomes on UN Security Council reforms as soon as possible.

32. It was agreed to hold the next round of Joint Committee on Bilateral Cooperation in the Philippines on mutually convenient dates.

New Delhi

June 29, 2023

2023 NATIONAL FOOD FAIR INVITES FOODIES TO“GO DISCOVER, TASTE, ENJOY!”

With economic activity back in full swing, one of the country’s most popular trade shows, the 2023 National Food Fair: Philippine Cuisine and Ingredients Show, will once again delight foodies with a 5-day event scheduled for July 12-16 at the Mega trade Halls 1-3 in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Themed “Go Discover, Taste, Enjoy!” fairgoers will be treated to a wide selection of cooked and processed food, fresh produce and agricultural products, wines and beverages, and many others, from the country’s 16 regions. In addition, there will be innovative and sustainable food products and eco-friendly kitchen accents for the home and even for hotels and restaurants.

The NFF will highlight the fusion of science and tradition that distinguishes today’s Philippine food industry by promoting innovative food products generated by biotechnology and new production techniques from landmark researches that could disrupt the Philippine food value chain. A particular focus will be high-value coconut-based food products, healthy snacks, and innovative food and beverages. The show will also include cooking demonstrations by Filipino chefs, and business talks by food experts, government partners, and collaborators in the food industry.

The 2023 National Food Fair promises to elevate the food fair experience with show highlights that include:

●   Kusinang Filipino with Live Cooking Demonstrations and Business Talks

●    Philippine Coconut Industry Pavilion and Coconut-Based MSME Cluster

●   Philippine Food Industry Innovations Lounge

●   Philippine Fruits and Nuts Pavilion

●   Innovative and Biotech Products Cluster

●   The Rural Agro-Industrial Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project Pavilion

●   Fresh Produce Pavilion

●   KAPEtirya (Philippine Coffee Pavilion)

●  Philippine Island Wine, Beer, and Juice Bar

●   Digital Partners’ Space

●   #FlexPHridays Corner

Embracing the shift to digital and incorporating e-commerce into the marketing mix, the 2023 National Food Fair will have an online counterpart on Lazada, with featured exhibitors making their products available to all corners of the Philippines because you don’t have to be at the venue to enjoy the flavors and delicacies from the different regions.

A central feature of the 2023 National Food Fair is a daily program of activities consisting of entrepreneurship talks, live cooking demonstrations, wine-mixing tutorials, and presentations on various food and business-related topics. This is open to the public and free of charge. At the same time, the program will be livestreamed on BDTP social media channels to provide access for remote viewers.

To know more about the 2023 National Food Fair and other programs of the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion, please follow their social media accounts on Facebook (DTI.BDTP), Instagram (dti.bdtp), and Twitter (@DTI_BDTP). You may also email BDTP Director Marievic M. Bononan at bdtp@dti.gov.ph.