DTI to expand “Exquisitely Filipino” exhibit

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) will open an extension of the “Exquisitely Filipino” exhibit in SM City Cebu to provide more opportunities for entrepreneurs to take advantage of the presence of APEC Summit delegates in Cebu.

DTI-7 regional director Asteria Caberte said in an interview yesterday that an extension of the ongoing artisan exhibit at the SM Northwing, will be opened on September 2 at the SM Cebu Atrium, adding 30 more exporters and souvenir manufacturers.

At present, there are 18 exhibitors including Kultura and two art galleries participating in the "Exquisitely Cebu" exhibit, showcasing Cebu's best to the almost 3 thousand delegates of the APEC Summit currently being held in Cebu and other parts of the country.

"The demand is too high. We had to decide to make an expansion so that more entrepreneurs will be able to benefit from the APEC Summit hosting," said Caberte.

"We are putting our foot forward in this occasion. Even the exporters are helping the government in beautifying the key hubs like the airport presenting a glimpse of what Cebu can offer," she added.

Members of the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc., (CFIF), Fashion Accessory Manufacturers and Exporters (FAME), Gifts, Decors and Housewares (Cebu-GDH), are actively participating in the exhibit, including other individual entrepreneurs and artisans.

‘Exquisitely Filipino’, is a trade exhibit showcasing Filipino craftsmanship of export-quality products formally opened on August 22, coinciding with the APEC meetings being held in Cebu City.

The merchandise being featured in the exhibit are done by Filipino artisans, most of whom are based in Cebu.

A partnership between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Cebu Provincial Government, and SM City Cebu, the exhibit Exquisitely Filipino is located at the Northwing Atrium of the mall and will run until September 8.

Home décor, furniture, bags, accessories, and gift items are among the merchandise made by Filipino artisans, most of whom are based in Cebu. Crafted using native raw materials, these specialty products present a reinterpreted take on traditional Filipino aesthetics, skillfully curating the old with the new.

Caberte mentioned the active export companies that supported the preparation for APEC Summit, specifically putting accent to the VIP Lounge of the Mactan International Airport and other Summit hubs, these are: Bon Ace Fashion Tools Inc., Cebu Fil-Veneer Inc., Coast Pacific Manufacturing Corp., Vito Selma of Stonesets Inc., Mehitabel Inc., Pacific Traders and Manufacturing Corp., Insular Rattan and Native Products, Murillos Export Inc., 33 Point 3 Exports, and Diamond Cane Inc.